Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryHB 6205, titled the "Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging and Paper Act," creates a new program to manage the recycling of packaging and paper products. This bill makes product producers responsible for funding and improving municipal recycling programs. These programs would cover the collection, transportation, sorting, and processing of defined packaging and paper products from single-family and multi-family residences. The aim is to enhance the coordination, funding, and overall effectiveness of the state's recycling systems for these materials.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6324 recognizes May 6, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution encourages citizens, residents, and visitors to observe the day and focus on the importance of reason, critical thought, and free inquiry.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6312 commemorates May 8, 2025, as "Rhode Island Home Visiting Day" in the State of Rhode Island. It encourages individuals and organizations to use home visiting resources to support children and families.

Maddy summaryHB 6256 proposes to repeal the current property tax exemption for boats. It also eliminates the sales and use tax exemption that applies to boats. If enacted, this bill would make boats subject to both property taxes and sales and use taxes, affecting individuals and businesses that own or purchase them.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6301 recognizes May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. It calls upon citizens, organizations, healthcare providers, and schools to raise mental health awareness and provide education.

Maddy summaryHB 5736 amends existing law concerning public health dental hygienists, primarily to expand the sources from which they can receive reimbursement for their services. Currently, these hygienists are largely limited to reimbursement from Medicaid or state healthcare insurance programs. The bill would permit public health dental hygienists, or the agencies they work for, to seek reimbursement from "other insurance" or third-party payors, including Medicare. This applies to services provided in public health settings such as schools, nursing homes, and community health centers, often performed without immediate dentist supervision under a collaborative agreement. The bill also maintains requirements for patient consent and referrals for further dental examinations.

Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.

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.

Extends eligibility for lactation counselor services to RIte Start recipients starting October 1, 2025, through the end of their 12 month postpartum period, with coverage provided regardless of federal financial participation.

Maddy summaryHB 5771, known as "The Rhode Island Medicaid Reform Act of 2008," mandates that the state's Medicaid program provide coverage for fertility diagnostic care, standard fertility preservation services, and fertility treatment. Beginning January 1, 2026, this includes services like medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs (up to three cycles), intrauterine insemination, and in-vitro fertilization under specific medical circumstances. The bill also requires that coverage be provided without discrimination based on various personal characteristics. Additionally, it directs the department to report to the general assembly by January 1, 2026, on the medical necessity and funding of in-vitro fertilization under federal law.