Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryHB 7162 would modify Rhode Island's personal income tax calculation by allowing the exclusion of public pension benefits administered by the Employees Retirement System from federal adjusted gross income. This change directly affects state and local government retirees who receive pensions through the Employees Retirement System. The key provision adjusts how these pension payments are treated for tax purposes, effectively reducing taxable income for eligible recipients. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after its January 16, 2026, introduction.

Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.

Maddy summaryHB 7395 allows retired members of the Rhode Island state labor relations board to continue receiving their retirement pension while working paid positions with the state. This amendment specifically permits them to maintain full pension benefits during such employment without suspension, though no additional retirement credits or contributions are granted. Monthly reporting to the retirement board is required for these positions. The bill targets a gap in existing rules, ensuring labor relations board members can serve in paid roles without losing pension eligibility.

Reinstates, for all teachers and state employees who retired after July 1, 2012, their annual cost of living adjustment for retirement plan year 2026.

Creates "Harter's Law" to extend the civil statute of limitations, for injuries resulting from first degree child abuse, to thirty-five (35) years and cap civil damages recovery at five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for the passing of Sylvia A. DeLuca, a resident of Saunderstown, Rhode Island. The document honors her life by highlighting her roles as a devoted wife, dedicated employee, and supportive family member, noting her career as an administrative assistant at the University of Rhode Island and her personal passions for art and cooking. The resolution formally extends the House's sympathy to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to them.

Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.

Maddy summaryHB 8401 strengthens the oversight of medical malpractice insurance for hospitals affiliated with accredited medical schools in Rhode Island. The bill requires these hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Department of Business Regulation before establishing or maintaining any self-insurance program for malpractice liability. To qualify, hospitals must demonstrate financial solvency, adequate reserves, and the ability to pay claims, with the department retaining the power to audit, examine, and revoke approval if standards are not met. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all forms of medical malpractice coverage, including self-insurance and captive arrangements, meet specific state-set limits and undergo annual renewal. Finally, the bill requires these entities to report claims, settlements, and judgments to relevant medical licensing boards within 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $150,000 in state funding for the second year of the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local downtown revitalization efforts across the state. The money will be managed by Grow Smart Rhode Island and distributed through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help existing and new district cohorts implement community improvement projects. The funding is specifically designated for fiscal year 2027 and must be disbursed by December 31, 2026, to support the program's administration and execution. This appropriation continues the initiative that launched in 2025 with 11 district cohorts representing 10 cities and towns.

Maddy summaryHB 7698 creates a tax credit for businesses that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe for consumption meeting basic safety standards) to qualifying nonprofits. Businesses like restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 annually per business. Nonprofits receiving donations must verify the food meets safety standards and is used to serve the needy, providing a certificate to the donor. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of the tax code and takes effect January 1, 2027.