Rep. Megan Cotter

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a property tax deferral program for Rhode Island senior citizens (62+), disabled residents (as determined by the Social Security Administration), and disabled veterans (as determined by the Veterans Administration). Eligible homeowners can delay paying property taxes on their primary residence (including manufactured homes) until the property is sold, transferred, or upon the death of all owners, with 6% annual interest added to the deferred amount. The program excludes properties with reverse mortgages or less than 20% equity, and the state will fund it with $2 million annually starting in fiscal year 2027. Local tax collectors must report deferral claims by January 31 each year, and deferred taxes become a lien on the property.

Maddy summaryHB 7549 makes assaulting a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or coach) during their duties a felony, directly affecting anyone who commits such violence at any athletic event - from school games to professional leagues. The bill establishes two penalty tiers: a standard assault carries up to 3 years in prison or a $3,000 fine, while assault causing serious bodily injury (like permanent disfigurement or life-threatening harm) results in 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also mandates that offenders pay restitution to victims or complete up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fines or prison time. This law applies to assaults occurring before, during, or after any sporting event.

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale also prohibits at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

Require that the classification guide to desk audit analysis and class specification development be amended so that the lack of supervision of other employees not prevent an employee from receiving a classification upgrade

Maddy summaryHB 7306 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies, starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies are operating, including compliance with laws and proper use of funds. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and governor annually, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This bill directly affects all state agencies by mandating regular oversight of their operations and financial management.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers would be required to report utilization and cost data annually and certain limited benefit policies would be exempt.

Maddy summaryHB 7425 updates the official terminology in Rhode Island's Naturopathy Act by replacing "doctor of naturopathy" with "naturopathic doctor" throughout all relevant sections of the law. This change standardizes the title used for licensed practitioners and appears in definitions, scope-of-practice descriptions, and licensing requirements. It directly affects licensed naturopaths who must now use the updated title "naturopathic doctor" (or "ND" designation) in professional practice, while maintaining the same scope of permitted services like natural substance dispensing and health counseling. The bill does not alter the practice rules or restrictions outlined in the original 2017 Act.

Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 7235 clarifies that Rhode Island's General Assembly retains exclusive authority to approve or deny nuclear plant construction projects, explicitly reserving this power despite other state or local laws. The bill amends Section 42-64-14.1 of the General Laws to maintain legislative oversight for nuclear plant projects, ensuring they require direct General Assembly approval rather than relying on other regulatory processes. This change directly affects developers seeking to build nuclear facilities in Rhode Island, as they must now obtain specific legislative approval before construction. The bill does not eliminate the approval requirement but formally reinforces the General Assembly’s jurisdiction over such projects. The measure is currently pending further study after committee consideration.