Rep. Megan Cotter

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 4th annual "RI Craft Beer Week" (March 7-16, 2025) in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state’s craft beer industry’s economic impact, including $876 million in annual wages/benefits and 7,161 jobs supported by 50 breweries. The resolution formally celebrates the industry’s contributions to local communities and economic growth. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the RI Brewers Guild. (Note: This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with binding effects.)

Amends the definition of the ”practice of pharmacy” to include the administration of immunizations vaccines for persons three years of age and older.

Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.

Provides that an electronic shelving label by itself would not satisfy the disclosure and display requirements for unit pricing by way of the attachment of a stamp, tag or label to the commodity.

Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities. That choose to participate. Reports would be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and would be submitted to the department of environmental management.

Requires all peace officers to carry epinephrine autoinjectors in their vehicles or on their person police departments to budget sufficient funds to purchase the epinephrine and autoinjectors and for training of every peace officer.

Maddy summaryHB 5860 would prohibit Rhode Island state entities, health insurance plans, and participating ERISA plans from purchasing prescription drugs above a federally set "maximum fair price" (based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rates). The law requires these entities to use any savings from this price cap to directly reduce costs for consumers, with a focus on addressing health equity disparities. Annual reports detailing savings and how they were used to lower consumer costs must be submitted to the state insurance commissioner. This bill affects all state-funded health programs, private health insurers, and employer-sponsored health plans that choose to participate.

Requires prescription drug manufacturers to file a detailed, updated list of each pharmaceutical sales representative engaged by the manufacturer and to pay an annual fee for each name listed with the department of business regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 5452 designates the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) as the lead state agency responsible for all children's behavioral health services, including contracting for necessary programs. It requires DCYF and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop a full range of behavioral health services that prioritize alternatives to hospitalization, with a report due by February 1, 2006, detailing implementation plans and metrics. The bill also mandates that DCYF manage psychiatric hospitalizations for all children, requiring crisis intervention services before admission for Medicaid-eligible children not enrolled in RIte Care health plans. This directly affects children needing behavioral health care and the agencies managing their services.

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.