Maddy summaryHB 7394 requires Rhode Island's Department of Human Services to automatically enroll families receiving cash assistance under the Rhode Island Works Program (Section 40-5.2-11) into SNAP benefits if they meet SNAP's standard eligibility requirements. This change eliminates the need for separate SNAP applications for qualifying families already approved for cash assistance. The bill directly affects low-income households receiving state cash aid who would otherwise need to apply separately for food assistance. It streamlines access to nutrition benefits by linking eligibility determinations between the two programs, with no new benefit amounts or requirements added. The policy takes effect upon passage, applying to all families meeting both programs' criteria.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 7392 caps the maximum application fee for healthcare facilities seeking approval to build new or expand tertiary or specialty care services under Rhode Island's certificate of need program at $25,000. The fee is calculated as $10,000 plus 0.25% of the project's total capital costs, but the total cannot exceed $25,000 regardless of project size. This change affects facilities planning high-level care expansions, ensuring predictable costs without exceeding the cap. The bill does not alter fee structures for other healthcare facility applications, such as those for general services.
Maddy summaryHB 8149 specifies how fines collected from overweight vehicle violations are distributed to state and local governments. It does not change weight limits or enforcement rules but establishes a mechanism for allocating penalty payments. The key provision directs that these funds be distributed to state and local governments, affecting their budgets. This bill, introduced in February 2026, focuses solely on the financial handling of existing penalties.
Maddy summaryHB 7312 would increase Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $15 million for estates of people who die on or after January 1, 2027. This means estates valued below $15 million would not owe state estate tax, directly affecting high-value estates (over $15 million) of decedents after 2026. The bill sets the new exemption threshold and requires annual inflation adjustments starting January 1, 2028, using the Consumer Price Index. It does not change tax rates but raises the point at which state estate tax applies.
Provides local agencies with a mechanism to opt-out of statewide transportation upon a showing of a cost-effective alternative to the current fee-for-service model.
Maddy summaryHB 7421 requires the Department of Revenue to annually report to the budget office the costs cities, towns, and school districts incurred for state mandates established after 1979. It mandates a public report, published on the state transparency portal, identifying school district costs that are partially funded or unfunded by the state. This report must be provided to the governor, legislature, and the public to inform budget decisions. The bill directly affects school districts bearing uncovered costs and local governments seeking reimbursement for state-mandated expenses.
Maddy summaryHB 7420 updates how state education funding is calculated to address inequities, primarily affecting school districts with high numbers of students in poverty. It introduces a new formula that factors in a district's revenue capacity and poverty levels to determine state aid, with a poverty loss stabilization fund for districts seeing aid drops over 2%. The bill also creates specific state-funded programs for special education costs, career and technical education, pre-K access, and stabilization for districts like Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center. It requires the state to publish a report identifying unfunded district costs and share this with lawmakers and the public. These changes aim to adjust funding based on need while adding targeted support for specific educational programs and struggling districts.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 5, 2026, as Zambarano Day to honor the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus in Rhode Island. The resolution acknowledges the hospital's long history of providing critical care for patients with severe injuries, infectious diseases, and other acute conditions. It expresses appreciation for the staff's efforts and declares continued support for the facility's role in serving long-term acute care patients. The House of Representatives also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to the hospital staff.
Expands the patient-centered medical home program to all Medicaid-accepting independent primary care practices and nurse practitioners and increases reimbursement rates to match Massachusetts and Connecticut rates.
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.