Rep. Megan Cotter

Maddy summaryHB 5317 amends the law regarding the relocation of utility services necessitated by state highway construction projects. This bill specifies that private corporations and companies will be reimbursed by the state for 50% of the reasonable costs to move their utility facilities. For utility facilities owned by municipalities, political subdivisions, or state agencies, the state will provide full reimbursement for relocation expenses. These reimbursements apply when state-initiated highway projects require the relocation of utility infrastructure.

Establishes a statewide standalone children's mobile response and stabilization services to address the behavioral health needs of children and youth ages 2 to 21. DCYF to oversee implementation of the program.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6277 clarifies eligibility for the "Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowships" program, which provides tax credits for education loan repayment. The bill expands the definition of a "full-time employee" for healthcare practitioners to include those working as sole proprietors, partners in a healthcare service partnership, or members of a single-member LLC. To qualify, these individuals must work a minimum of 35 hours per week in Rhode Island. This change applies to healthcare professionals who have submitted applications on or after July 1, 2022.

Authorizes office of health and human services (EOHHS) to establish coverage for obesity treatments, including medication. Office of health and human services would seek a 1115(a) waiver.

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.

Maddy summaryHB 5233, "The Rhode Island Family Caregiver Tax Credit Act," creates a state income tax credit for eligible family caregivers. The bill allows a credit of 50% of qualifying expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000, incurred for the care and support of an eligible family member. To qualify, caregivers must meet specific income thresholds and care for a family member who is elderly or disabled, resides with them, and requires assistance with daily activities. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, and hired care services, aiming to help offset the financial burden of caregiving. This credit would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5199, the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act, seeks to expand and improve access to high-quality prekindergarten programs for three and four-year-olds throughout the state. It directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish quality standards for these programs, which will operate through a mixed network including Head Start, public schools, and licensed child care providers. The bill also requires competitive wages and benefits for prekindergarten and Head Start teachers and establishes a working group to address workforce development in early childhood education. Beginning July 1, 2025, 30% of new pre-kindergarten expansion funds will be set aside to support early learning programs for infants and toddlers.

Maddy summaryHB 5282, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," amends how the state calculates funding for special education services provided by local school districts. The bill redefines "extraordinary costs" for individual special education students, which are expenses above a certain threshold. It gradually lowers this financial threshold over three fiscal years, starting in FY 2027, making more special education costs eligible for state reimbursement sooner. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will also collect data on various cost thresholds.

Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2026 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.