Rep. Katie Kazarian

Maddy summaryHR 6078 is a joint resolution that appropriates $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge. This funding is designated to study and explore seagliders in Rhode Island, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI). The bill directs 401 Tech Bridge to conduct a feasibility study to understand and assess the use and operation of these all-electric, passenger-carrying vehicles within the state. The aim is to determine how seagliders could benefit Rhode Island's economy and environment.

Reinstates and extends reporting and expiration of commission studying the development and implementation of an anti-littering education program for elementary students, from February 2, 2024, to February 2, 2026, and would expire on April 2, 2026.

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.

Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2026.

Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.

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.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.

Imposes a hospital licensing fee for fiscal year 2026 against net patient-services revenue of every non-government owned hospital for the hospital’s first fiscal year ending on or after January 1, 2024.

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.

Mandates all health insurance contracts from January 1, 2026, to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, sterilization, contraception counseling, follow-up services, and a twelve-month supply for Medicaid recipients.