Rep. Mia Ackerman

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Organ Donation Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages residents to register as organ, eye, or tissue donors through the Rhode Island Donor Registry - primarily by adding the "Heart" symbol to driver's licenses, IDs, or real IDs at the Division of Motor Vehicles, or online at RegisterMe.org. The resolution highlights that 99% of Rhode Island donors register at the DMV and notes the state's goal of increasing donor registration to 50% of the driving population. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the DMV and New England Donor Services. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a law with new requirements.)

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries or core charges when customers return used vehicle parts (like batteries or auto components). It directly affects retailers selling batteries and motor vehicle parts, requiring them to hold these deposits in trust for the state and not include them in taxable sales. The tax department must notify retailers about this exemption and post clear notices at their stores. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage, removing tax from these specific refundable fees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6197) declares April as "Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages history and social science educators in public schools to incorporate lessons about past and current genocides into their curriculum, aligning with the state's existing 2016 education requirements and the work of the Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission. The resolution does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of educating students to prevent future atrocities, urging a commitment to combat bigotry and injustice.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6195) is a ceremonial resolution declaring April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Rhode Island. It urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in programs and activities that improve personal financial skills, such as budgeting, saving, and avoiding predatory practices. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding - it simply recognizes the importance of financial education and encourages community engagement during April 2025.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 6164 creates a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office to address consumer protection, health care regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against businesses or organizations engaging in repeated illegal activities that harm the public, including seeking court orders to stop such conduct and recover restitution or fines. It requires the bureau to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes like injunctions or penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to entities already exempted under existing law.

Maddy summaryHR 6167 is a House Resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on April 3, 2025, that formally congratulates Emily Martineau, Deputy Director of Communications in the Office of the Speaker, on receiving the 2025 Providence Business News Government/Quasi-Government Industry Leader Award. The resolution does not create new policy but serves as a ceremonial recognition of her career in public service communications. It directs the Secretary of State to provide Ms. Martineau with a certified copy of the resolution. This procedural resolution directly affects only Ms. Martineau as the honoree.

Maddy summaryHB 5297 allows married partners of inmates to have conjugal visits at state correctional facilities under specific rules. It sets a maximum of four hours per visit and six visits annually, prohibits video monitoring, and bans contraband exchanges during visits. To schedule a visit, applicants must provide a marriage certificate and follow facility procedures. The Corrections Department must create implementation rules and train staff by the bill's effective date of January 1, 2026. This directly affects incarcerated individuals and their spouses seeking these visits.

Maddy summaryHB 5391 gives Rhode Island residents priority over nonresidents for reserving campsites and recreational facilities by allowing residents a two-hour head start on the online reservation system. It also provides a 50% fee reduction for 100% disabled veterans on specific state recreational fees, including licensing, camping, and picnic table fees. The bill does not cover all fees (like parking or golf admission) but requires proper disability verification for veterans' benefits. This policy directly affects state park users and veterans with qualifying disabilities.