Rep. Mary Messier

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 10, 2024, as Lupus Day in Rhode Island to raise awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The bill highlights the need for better public understanding of the condition and improved communication between patients and doctors to ensure timely diagnosis and care. Additionally, it encourages charitable donations to the Lupus Foundation of America and related organizations to support research and patient services. The House of Representatives has passed this measure to formally recognize the day and transmit the resolution to the foundation.

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Awards all members of the pension system a three and one-half percent (3.5%) annual benefit adjustment applied to the first thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) of a member's retirement allowance.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors and celebrates Armed Forces Day on May 18, 2024, in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the service and sacrifices of all members of the U.S. military, including active and reserve personnel across various branches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Adjutant General to formally recognize the occasion.

Amends Article 9 of the state budget and various provisions relative to hospital licensing fees, would redefine base year for purposes of calculating disproportionate share payments for fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to provide $500,000 in funding to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports cancer patients and survivors in Rhode Island. The money would be used for operational expenses to help the foundation continue its work, which includes offering support groups, financial aid for low-income individuals, free wellness classes, and cancer education programs. The legislation aims to assist an organization that has been serving the community for twenty years, particularly in an area with high rates of cancer diagnoses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a $150,000 appropriation to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to provide operating funds for the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center. The money is intended to support the base-level functions of the facility, which serves as a tourist information hub for the ten communities in Rhode Island's Blackstone River Valley. The resolution directs the state controller to release these funds from the general treasury for the 2024-2025 fiscal year upon receipt of proper financial vouchers.

Maddy summaryHB 7435 creates a new legal framework to regulate pet insurance policies sold to residents of the state. The bill requires insurers to clearly define key terms like preexisting conditions and chronic illnesses within their policies and make these definitions easily accessible online. It mandates that companies disclose specific details about coverage limits, exclusions, and how premiums or benefits might change based on a pet's history or age. Additionally, the law grants consumers a fifteen-day "free look" period to review and return a policy for a full refund if they are not satisfied, provided no claims have been filed. This legislation applies to any pet insurance offered or delivered in the state, superseding general insurance laws with these specific consumer protections.

Provides for remote participation in open public meetings of the long-term care coordinating council and would provide that a quorum of the council consists of 12 members.

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for childcare assistance.