Rep. Bob Phillips

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6294 proclaims May 2025 as "Myositis Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island." This resolution aims to increase public understanding of myositis, a group of rare muscle-wasting diseases, and encourages Rhode Islanders to learn more about the condition and support affected families.

Provides that in local educational agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.

Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.

Removes language that requires the department of elementary and secondary education to prorate funds to school districts in certain situations and eliminate funding for certain programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6262 proclaims May of 2025 as "Motorcycle Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution urges all motorists to avoid distracted driving and aims to raise awareness about motorcycle safety for both riders and other drivers.

Allows for the licensing of certified surgical first assistants to assist in surgeries through the department of health and a seven (7) member board of licensure.

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.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5877 amends the state's "Access to Public Records" law. Its primary provision requires that public records maintained in a computer storage system be provided to any requester at no charge. This change directly impacts both individuals and entities seeking government information, as well as the public bodies responsible for maintaining and releasing these electronic records. The bill also reinforces existing requirements for public bodies regarding record inspection, copying, and establishing clear procedures for responding to requests.

Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Maddy summaryHB 5431 guarantees that Medicare beneficiaries under 65 and over 65 who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B can enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during a one-month annual enrollment period without being denied coverage due to health conditions. To qualify, applicants must have been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and remain enrolled at the time of application. The bill also standardizes Medicare supplement policies by prohibiting exclusions for preexisting conditions and requiring clear minimum standards for benefits, rates, and insurer practices. This change aims to simplify access to supplemental coverage while removing health-based barriers for Medicare recipients.