Rep. Mike Chippendale

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $40,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for participation in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC). The NFFPC is a mutual aid agreement among seven New England states, New York, and five Canadian provinces that allows states to share firefighting resources during large wildfires. Rhode Island uses this compact to access specialized equipment and personnel from other jurisdictions when local resources are overwhelmed, and this funding covers the state's share of costs for wages, transportation, and maintenance when requesting assistance. The bill does not change the compact's rules but ensures Rhode Island meets its financial obligations under the existing agreement.

Maddy summaryHB 8197 exempts the purchase of new or used bicycles and bicycle parts from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects consumers buying bikes or parts, as well as retailers selling them, by removing a tax burden on these items. The bill’s key mechanism is amending the tax code to specifically exclude bicycles and parts from taxable sales, simplifying the tax treatment for these goods. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 8206 is a joint resolution appropriating $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for new firefighting equipment. It directly funds the purchase of forestry hoses, specifically for use by DEM's forestry or fire management units. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee. This is a straightforward budgetary request with no broader policy changes or public impact beyond the specified equipment purchase.

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program relating to green bonds requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $60,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.

Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2027 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.

Maddy summaryHB 7273 requires the state to join and implement the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by July 1, 2026. This allows out-of-state doctors to more easily provide telemedicine services to patients within the state, expanding access to remote healthcare. The bill specifically enables patients to receive telemedicine care from licensed providers in other states through the compact. It also directs health agencies to create necessary rules for this process, directly affecting healthcare providers seeking multi-state practice and patients seeking remote medical care.

Maddy summaryHB 7274 allows physician assistants (PAs) to practice without needing a physician's direct supervision and permits them to receive Medicaid payments directly for services provided. The bill amends licensing rules to remove the requirement for written agreements with supervising physicians and clarifies that PAs can provide medical services within their scope without physician oversight. It also adds a new provision requiring Medicaid to pay PAs directly, rather than through a physician's billing, for services rendered. This affects PAs by expanding their practice autonomy and Medicaid patients by potentially increasing access to care from PAs. The changes take effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai Lao, which is celebrated annually in April by the Laotian community in Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the holiday's cultural significance, including traditions like water splashing and family ceremonies that symbolize renewal and hope, while honoring the resilience of Laotian refugees who resettled in the United States after fleeing their homeland in the 1970s. It formally acknowledges the contributions of the Laotian American community to the state and extends best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of Temple Wat Lao in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution from Rhode Island that officially recognizes the celebration of the Cambodian New Year and the Year of the Horse on April 13-15, 2026. It highlights the holiday's traditions, such as family gatherings, gift-giving to elders, and temple visits, while expressing appreciation for the Cambodian community's contributions to the state's culture. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that officially celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Enrico Caruso Society in Manville, Rhode Island, on April 18, 2026. The resolution recognizes the organization's century-long history of providing support to Italian immigrants and fostering community through events and services. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the society's president, Jack Correira, as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions.