Rep. Megan Cotter

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 28, 2026, as Pharmacy Advocacy Day in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to public health. The resolution encourages citizens, healthcare professionals, and organizations to participate in events that promote pharmacy advocacy and raise awareness about the vital role pharmacists play in medication management and patient care. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Establishes the office of inspector general to investigate the management and operation of agencies in an effort to prevent and deter fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote public education on wildfire prevention and preparedness. The resolution directly affects state residents and officials by encouraging awareness of wildfire risks and safe practices during the designated month. It serves as a commemorative measure to recognize the efforts of firefighters and emergency responders while highlighting the state's existing wildfire management programs. The bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on raising awareness through an official state designation.

Provides reciprocal enforcement of boating and fish and game laws with the state of Connecticut on any part of waters lying between Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 8512 amends the state sales and use tax code to exempt food and beverage purchases made during designated summer and winter restaurant weeks. This change directly affects restaurant customers who would no longer pay sales tax on their meals during these specific promotional periods. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to the existing list of tax exemptions, which currently includes items like school meals, newspapers, and charitable organization purchases. While the text of the bill contains extensive details on other existing exemptions, the primary new policy introduced is the temporary tax relief for dining during the specified restaurant weeks.

Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Updates the description of the early intervention program and the agency responsible for the program under Part C of the federal Individuals with disabilities education act.

Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.

Maddy summaryHB 7241 establishes a state tax credit for Rhode Island residents who provide unpaid care to qualifying family members. It allows eligible caregivers (earning under $50,000 individually or $100,000 jointly) to claim a 50% credit on out-of-pocket expenses for caregiving, capped at $1,000 annually. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, hiring aides, or respite care, but exclude insurance-covered costs or general home maintenance. The credit applies to expenses incurred after 2026 for family members aged 65+ or with disability benefits who live with the caregiver and need help with at least two basic self-care tasks (like bathing or dressing).