Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of David Sunley Frerichs, a respected farmer, businessman, and former public servant from Warren, Rhode Island. The text honors his life by highlighting his long-standing contributions to the community, including his work on Frerichs Farm, his service on the Warren Town Council, and his dedication to local agricultural events. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Frerichs' family as a formal gesture of sympathy from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 19, 2026, as Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1913-1923 atrocities against Greek populations in the Ottoman Empire. The resolution formally recognizes the historical events that included forced relocation, death marches, and mass killings, while also acknowledging the contributions of Greek descendants to the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada to facilitate the commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences and honoring the life of Janice Luongo, a prominent Rhode Island advocate who passed away in May 2026. It directly affects Luongo's family, friends, and colleagues by formally acknowledging her contributions to helping people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. The resolution highlights her specific work, including founding the publication "Street Sights" and her dedication to addressing the root causes of housing insecurity. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to Luongo's wife, Annmarie Simoli, and her family.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as 'ALS Awareness Month' in Rhode Island to highlight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive disease that affects muscle control and has no cure. The resolution aims to encourage state residents to learn about ALS and support those living with the condition, as well as researchers working toward a treatment. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to ALS United RI, the state's local chapter of the national ALS Association.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses condolences to the family of Burton Stallwood, a former Rhode Island official who passed away. The bill honors his extensive public service career, which included serving as Town Administrator of Lincoln for 28 years and as a U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his three children, Scott Stallwood, Gregg Stallwood, and Tracey Gardiner.

Creates a special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations relating to supporting community-based solutions to reduce the incarceration of women in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act to require health insurers to contribute an additional $30 million annually starting in 2026 to support the MomsPRN and PediPRN teleconsultation lines. These programs provide mental health consultation and referral services to pediatric, perinatal, and primary care providers through telephone hotlines. The funding is collected from insurers based on their number of enrollees and deposited into a restricted account managed by the Department of Health. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health submit annual reports on program costs and provides insurers with access to detailed cost information upon request.

Updates the description of the early intervention program and the agency responsible for the program under Part C of the federal Individuals with disabilities education act.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution appropriates $500,000 from state funds to the United Way of Rhode Island for operational support of its 2-1-1 human services hotline. The 2-1-1 system provides Rhode Islanders with free, 24/7 access to confidential assistance - covering housing, healthcare, food, disaster response, and other critical services - in nearly 200 languages. The funding directly supports the hotline’s existing operations, which handled over 190,000 requests in 2023-2024. It does not create new services or policy changes but ensures continued access to an established resource for residents seeking immediate help.

Maddy summaryHB 7807 exempts meals served in licensed childcare centers from Rhode Island's sales and use taxes. This bill amends the state tax code to explicitly include licensed childcare centers alongside schools and educational institutions in the existing exemption for meals served to students or teachers. The change directly affects licensed childcare centers by removing a sales tax burden on meals provided to their enrolled children or staff. This policy update clarifies and expands current tax exemptions without altering tax rates or creating new administrative requirements.