Rep. Kathleen Fogarty

Maddy summaryHR 7063 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to express condolences for the passing of Dr. William R. Holland, a former educator, Army officer, and commissioner of higher education. The resolution details his 44-year career in education across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including his leadership as commissioner overseeing campus improvements at state colleges. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Holland's family, as approved on January 13, 2026. This is a procedural resolution with no policy changes, solely honoring his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 7062) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 13, 2026, to express condolences for the passing of Josephine B. Finnegan. It formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to her family - specifically her children Rosemary Finnegan and Kevin Finnegan - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to them. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding; it solely serves as a symbolic tribute to her life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a program managed by the nonprofit Grow Smart RI for three years to coordinate revitalization efforts in the state's commercial districts (downtowns, village squares, and retail corridors). It authorizes $500,000 in funding to implement a proven national strategy, including training for local communities, monthly educational sessions, and a centralized resource hub. The program aims to boost economic activity, job creation, and neighborhood development by connecting existing local efforts through standardized best practices. It formalizes a partnership between Grow Smart RI and Main Street America, with the Commerce Corporation handling fund disbursement.

Makes the provisions of §§ 45-19.1-3 and 45-19.1-4, benefits for firefighters with cancer, effective regardless of any general, special or specific law, or any charter and/or municipal ordinance to the contrary.

Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.

Maddy summaryHB 5494 adds consumer protections to Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies in the state. It prohibits policies from duplicating Medicare benefits and bans exclusions for preexisting conditions after six months of coverage, defining preexisting conditions as those requiring medical advice within six months before coverage begins. The bill guarantees issue rights for applicants under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (without medical underwriting) and requires annual guaranteed issue for all Medicare Part A/B enrollees during a one-month enrollment period. The commissioner must establish regulations for policy standards, premium rates, and loss ratios to align with federal requirements.

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Maddy summaryHB 5120, the "Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025," prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization for services ordered by in-network primary care providers. This directly affects patients receiving care from in-network primary care physicians and the providers themselves, as insurers can no longer block these services through extra approval steps. The key provision mandates that insurers must approve such services without imposing prior authorization requirements, streamlining access to care. The bill aims to reduce administrative delays for routine treatments recommended by primary care providers within an insurer's network.

Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers, in the course of performing their duties, be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Repeals the exemption granted to pari-mutuel facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement and provides for a one time appropriate of $1,000,000 to inform patrons of the smoke free policy within the casino.