Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith

Effective January 1, 2025, an annual cost-of-living increase, based upon the yearly Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U), to the retirement allowance for all state employees and all beneficiaries to be reinstated.

Increases the maximum amount of the Kingston water district bonding authority from four million dollars ($4,000,000) to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).

Maddy summaryHB 6034 blocks new applications for "network charter schools" (multiple schools operated under a single management structure) and prevents expansions of existing charter schools that would create such networks. The bill does not affect individual charter schools or the existing 35-school cap, but specifically halts the creation of new multi-school networks. It directly impacts organizations seeking to launch or expand networked charter systems, including potential applicants and existing charter operators considering growth. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and preserves existing charters while restricting new network formations.

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 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 summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution celebrating the 20th anniversary of PACE-RI, a Rhode Island nonprofit providing healthcare services to frail seniors. It acknowledges PACE-RI's role in helping low-income seniors remain in their homes instead of nursing facilities, highlighting their holistic care model and positive outcomes like reduced hospital visits. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to PACE-RI's Chief of External Affairs. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHR 6169 is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Ronald D. Newman, a former Richmond Town Council member and Rhode Island Department of Agriculture employee. The resolution formally honors his 29-year career in state agriculture, his community service, and his dedication to local causes like Rhody Fresh and farmers markets. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Cathleen Newman, and family. This is a standard procedural resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 6171) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to formally congratulate the Ponaganset High School girls basketball team for winning the 2024-25 Rhode Island Interscholastic League state championship. The resolution highlights the team's perseverance through injuries, their 18-2 regular season record, and their championship game comeback against Moses Brown. It specifically recognizes the team's players, senior captains, and head coach Gary Martinelli. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the coach, with no legal effect or policy changes beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Parkinson’s Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new programs, funding, or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal recognition of Parkinson’s Disease impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by highlighting community awareness efforts for a condition impacting 1,000-2,000 locals.

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.