Rep. Kathleen Fogarty

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5062) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of John E. Faria, a former Bristol Town Council President, state senator, and community leader. It directly honors his family, including his wife Patricia Pastore and descendants. The resolution formally extends "deepest condolences" and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. As a procedural resolution, it contains no policy changes or affected programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends House rules to prohibit specific single-use plastics on the House floor and in official House proceedings spaces (like committee rooms) during 2023-2024. It bans plastic plates, cutlery, straws, beverage containers, single-use drinkware, and polystyrene foam containers, except when required for safety, health, or emergencies. The rule directly affects House members, staff, and visitors using House facilities. It focuses on internal House operations rather than public policy, aiming to reduce plastic waste in congressional settings. The change is procedural, not a law affecting the public.

Maddy summaryHR 5008 is a procedural resolution limiting House members to introducing no more than 18 bills or resolutions per legislative session, excluding specific categories. It excludes city/town bills, corporate charter reinstatements, ceremonial resolutions, appropriations, and study commission-related bills. Members must file bills by February 16, 2025 (for the 2023-2024 session), with exceptions allowing up to three late introductions after that date under strict conditions. This rule applies to all members of the House of Representatives during the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5004) expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of Bishop Emeritus Louis E. Gelineau, the former Bishop of Providence. It honors his 25-year service as Bishop, his establishment of the permanent diaconate, his outreach initiatives like the Providence-Haiti project, and his recognition as "The People’s Bishop." The resolution formally declares the House's deepest condolences and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Diocese of Providence. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5002) expresses condolences to the Edwards family following the passing of Mary Ann Edwards, a former Portsmouth Town Council member and longtime resident of Aquidneck Island. It formally recognizes her 56-year marriage, public service on the Portsmouth Town Council, and contributions to her community. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to two family members: John "Jay" Edwards IV and James Edwards. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Health to use up to $850,000 from specific immunization accounts in fiscal year 2025 to support phone hotlines and referral services for healthcare providers and residents. The funds come from existing childhood and adult immunization accounts and are intended to maintain current information lines like PediPRN and MomsPRN. The Department of Health must submit a report to state legislators by March 1, 2025, detailing how these funds were used and offering recommendations for future support. While the bill also establishes separate accounts for pandemic medications and equipment, its primary immediate impact is the allocation of money for immunization-related communication services.

Requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for public assistance and creates a pilot program for out of hospital service upon expiration of similar federal program.

Requires the office of energy resources to initiate the process of developing programs and associated funding mechanisms, for electric energy storage resources connected to the electric distribution system.

Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.

Enacts the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.