Rep. June Speakman

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution would approve changes to Rhode Island's Medicaid program, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state budget allocations. Key provisions include capping nursing facility and hospital rate increases at 2.3% (aligned with projected state tax revenue growth), eliminating annual home care rate increases, and removing hospital payment limits. It also establishes a new interprofessional consultation program and authorizes $396 million in hospital payments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These adjustments require state plan amendments to implement under federal Medicaid waiver rules. The resolution was scheduled for consideration but was withdrawn in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges Rhode Island's federal lawmakers (Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Representatives Magaziner and Amo) to demand that the President reverse policies harming health programs. It specifically calls for reinstating U.S. support for global health initiatives like WHO and PEPFAR, restoring CDC and NIH funding and reporting (including the MMWR), ending restrictions on reproductive health services, and unfreezing Medicaid grants. The resolution targets actions taken under the Trump administration that disrupted HIV treatment, halted disease research, and reduced public health transparency. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests action from the state's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution expressing condolences to the family of Michael Charles Gerhardt, a former Rhode Island healthcare executive and community leader, following his death. The resolution cites his professional career (including roles at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI and nonprofit organizations), community service (on local boards and the Warren Land Trust), and personal life. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Gerhardt’s wife, two sons, and stepsons. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any specific group beyond the family receiving the expression of sympathy.

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Maddy summaryThis is a House resolution (not a law) requesting the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to conduct a waste audit of the State House, develop waste reduction recommendations, and report by January 5, 2026. It also directs the Joint Committee on Legislative Services and the Division of Capital Asset Management to investigate installing water filling stations and electric car chargers in the State House parking lots to reduce plastic bottle use and support climate goals. The resolution formally asks these agencies to report their findings back to the House by the same deadline. As a procedural request, it does not create new laws but seeks specific actions for state building operations.

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in Rhode Island to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal.

Maddy summaryHB 5424 establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act, requiring large fossil fuel companies that emitted over one billion tons of greenhouse gases between 1990 and 2024 to pay for climate adaptation work already done by the state and municipalities. The bill targets corporations that profited from fossil fuels, directing payments toward climate response efforts like coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, and emergency planning. Funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated account and used exclusively for qualifying climate adaptation projects. The program mandates that companies pay their share based on emissions data within six months of a formal demand, with payment plans allowed only for very small amounts relative to their profits.

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

Establishes a searchable database of healthcare professionals' complaint histories, accessible to employers. License holders can review and dispute inaccuracies, while maintaining current criminal background check requirements.

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.