Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith

Maddy summaryHB 5747 establishes a new Board of Trustees for the University of Rhode Island (URI), making it a public corporation with legal title to URI property. This Board assumes powers and duties for URI previously held by the Council on Postsecondary Education, becoming the employer of record for university faculty and staff. The bill grants the Board authority to manage its own procurement processes and requires it to define and implement performance-based measures for the university. Additionally, it mandates the Board to develop transfer pathways for students from community colleges and ensure URI accepts Advanced Placement scores of 3 or better for course credit.

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Amends Rhode Island’s existing healthcare services funding plan act by adding an account relating to a new psychiatry resource network to fund Rhode Island’s present PediPRN and MomsPRN.

Extends eligibility for lactation counselor services to RIte Start recipients starting October 1, 2025, through the end of their 12 month postpartum period, with coverage provided regardless of federal financial participation.

Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.

Provides $4,000,000 to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, school vacation, summer learning and workforce development programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12).

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution extends the deepest sympathy and condolences of the Rhode Island House of Representatives on the passing of Gretchen Dow Simpson, a highly acclaimed artist known for her New Yorker covers and contributions to the art community. A certified copy of the resolution will be transmitted to her family.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6279 is a procedural bill that expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of the Honorable Robert G. Salisbury. The resolution acknowledges his life of service as a firefighter and former State Representative, and directs a copy to be transmitted to his family.

Maddy summaryHB 5643 updates existing laws related to casino gaming crimes. The bill specifically amends the current statutes to incorporate "iGaming," which refers to online casino gaming. Its main purpose is to ensure that prohibited activities, such as cheating, using fraudulent devices, or attempting to defraud in casino games, also apply to online iGaming activities. This aims to align the legal framework for casino gaming crimes with the introduction of iGaming, including relevant age restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution proclaims Monday, April 28, 2025, as "Pay It Forward With Love From Tori Day" in the State of Rhode Island. It encourages all citizens to observe this day by engaging in activities and acts of kindness that demonstrate and celebrate selfless giving.