Rep. Kathleen Fogarty

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes April 2026 as "Out-of-School Time Month" in Rhode Island to honor the value of after-school and summer programs for children. The resolution aims to raise awareness about how these programs support youth development, mental health, and academic success while acknowledging the hard work of the professionals who run them. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the importance of these services for the state's youth. The Secretary of State is instructed to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association.

Maddy summaryHB 7503 establishes a scholarship program to address Rhode Island's primary care provider shortage by offering financial support to medical students, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The program provides up to $70,000 annually for medical students (over four years) and $47,000 annually for nurse practitioners/physician assistants (over two years), contingent on recipients signing contracts to work in Rhode Island primary care after graduation. Scholarships are administered by the commissioner of postsecondary education in coordination with the Department of Health, targeting applicants with strong academic records and a commitment to serve Rhode Island's population. Recipients must maintain academic standing and fulfill their service obligation in the state to receive funding.

Maddy summaryHB 7588 appropriates $500,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2027 to fund the Thundermist Family Medicine Residency Program in Rhode Island. The bill directly supports training primary care physicians to address healthcare shortages in underserved and rural communities. Key provisions include funding for resident/faculty recruitment, developing community-focused curricula, expanding clinical training sites in rural areas, and purchasing necessary equipment. The program must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing fund usage, resident outcomes, and impact on healthcare access. This funding aims to strengthen Rhode Island's primary care workforce through sustained state investment.

Appropriates two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000) to fund the primary care training sites program to provide training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants within the department of health.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Provides the board of trustees with tort claim protections and calls upon the board to undertake a feasibility study related to operations of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center and the Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission.

Enhances and further defines the role of the board of trustees of the University of Rhode Island. This act would also provide a more efficient procurement process for the university.

Requires the coastal resources management council to conduct a review of certain water classifications and existing policies and regulations to properly account for sea level rise.

Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester would be eligible for the same medical benefits as other state employees.

Maddy summaryHB 8486 authorizes the committees of the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely during meetings. Under this bill, individuals can participate via electronic communication, such as telephone conferencing or videoconferencing, provided that remote participants are audible and visible to those present in the room. The legislation also includes specific requirements for public notice when videoconferencing is used and ensures that a quorum of the committee members must be participating for the meeting to proceed. This change aims to increase accessibility for the public without altering the existing rules regarding closed sessions or disruptive conduct.