Rep. Megan Cotter

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Provides that the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs shall include the name of the dispensing health care practice instead of the name of the dispenser.

Maddy summaryHB 5033 removes the requirement for nuclear plant construction projects to seek approval from the Rhode Island General Assembly. This bill directly affects developers planning new nuclear facilities, as they will no longer need legislative sign-off for project plans. The key change shifts the approval process away from the General Assembly, meaning developers must now navigate other regulatory pathways instead of legislative review. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter existing regulatory authority for other entities.

Imposes a property tax on non-owner occupied residential properties assessed worth at one million dollars ($1,000,000) and less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and a higher tax on properties assessed at two million dollars ($2,000,000) or more.

Maddy summaryHR 6169 is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Ronald D. Newman, a former Richmond Town Council member and Rhode Island Department of Agriculture employee. The resolution formally honors his 29-year career in state agriculture, his community service, and his dedication to local causes like Rhody Fresh and farmers markets. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Cathleen Newman, and family. This is a standard procedural resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

Maddy summaryHR 5732 proposes a constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new right to all Rhode Islanders: the inherent right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preservation of natural, scenic, and recreational environmental values. If approved by voters, it would require the state to act as a trustee of natural resources, protecting these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, gender, or income, and for both current and future generations. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and must be voted on by Rhode Island residents at the next statewide general election. This is a procedural proposal - voters must approve it before it becomes part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 5554 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of electronic credit or debit card transactions. Merchants must report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction processing to avoid these fees; if they fail to do so, they can submit proof within 180 days for refunds. The law directly affects businesses that collect sales tax or tips (e.g., restaurants, retailers) and payment networks handling card transactions. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with violations subject to $1,000 penalties per transaction. The bill does not change tax or tip amounts but removes fees charged on those specific portions.

Provides for warming center and cooling center alerts to trigger certain procedures municipalities shall follow during extreme heat or cold to help at-risk individuals with resources including, but not limited to, warming and cooling centers.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HR 6153) recognizes April 1, 2025, as "401Gives Day" in Rhode Island. It encourages all residents to participate in 401Gives, a statewide fundraising event aiming to raise over $4.01 million for Rhode Island's nonprofit community. The resolution highlights the nonprofit sector's role in employing 18% of the workforce and providing critical services like housing, education, and environmental protection. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to 401Gives organizers and sponsors, acknowledging their efforts in promoting philanthropy. This is a symbolic gesture with no binding legal effect.