Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith

Maddy summaryHB 5754 increases Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $4 million for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2026. This means estates valued below $4 million will not owe state estate tax under this provision. The exemption amount will adjust annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), rounded up to the nearest $5 increment. The bill directly affects residents and nonresidents whose estates exceed this threshold after 2025, delaying the tax liability for larger estates. This change aligns with the state's existing practice of adjusting estate tax thresholds based on inflation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5481) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 12, 2025, to commemorate Patrice Wood's 45th anniversary as a journalist at WJAR NBC 10 in Providence. It formally celebrates her career milestones, including her roles as anchor for multiple newscasts and her work as an education reporter, and recognizes her advocacy for children in foster care that contributed to adoption placements. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Wood. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group beyond honoring the individual.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 11, 2025, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211. It recognizes United Way 211 as a free, 24/7 service providing vital connections to health, housing, food, and disaster assistance for Rhode Islanders, including support in nearly 200 languages. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to publicly acknowledge the organization's role in community support and crisis response, noting it handled 213,000 assistance requests in 2024-2025. The House passed it on February 11, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to share certified copies with United Way and partners.

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which would allow for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider

Provides that original equipment manufacturers, implemented by/with surrogate distributors, of agricultural equipment, provide to independent service providers repair information and tools to maintain and repair electronics-enabled agricultural equipment.

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5325) passed on February 6, 2025, extending the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences on the passing of Gloria Messerlian. It honors her life as a devoted wife, mother, and community member, highlighting her long marriage, family, faith, and role in founding Baxter’s Jewelry. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her family members, including her children Lisa Abbott and Paul Messerlian. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond expressing collective respect for her passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution, not a policy change. It formally proclaims February 8, 2025, as "Carrigan Nelson Day" in Rhode Island to honor Carrigan Nelson, a young woman battling pediatric osteosarcoma cancer since 2019. The resolution recognizes her advocacy work, including lobbying Congress for pediatric cancer funding and serving on nonprofit boards. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Carrigan Nelson. The bill directly honors Carrigan and raises awareness for cancer warriors, with no legislative or financial impact.

Provides that any law or regulation which prohibits or protects a person from exposure to second-hand smoke would include second-hand marijuana smoke or vapor.

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.