Rep. June Speakman

Maddy summaryHB 7910 creates a program requiring companies that produce packaging and paper products (like food containers, boxes, and paper goods) to manage their recycling. It directly affects manufacturers and brands by shifting the financial and operational responsibility for recycling these materials from taxpayers and local governments to the producers themselves. Key provisions mandate that producers fund, organize, and oversee the recycling system for their packaging and paper waste, rather than relying on public recycling programs. This policy change aims to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill waste by making producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products.

Expands foster care academic youth reports to include information regarding 504 eligibility, graduation progress and surrogate parents. The act would require implementation of additional strategies to improve performance and additional progress reports.

Maddy summaryHB 8000 requires local agencies to provide at least 15 days' written notice to people living in outdoor encampments on public property before removing or relocating them. This applies to homeless individuals and their belongings in temporary shelters, directly affecting those residing in such encampments. Exceptions to the notice requirement include immediate public safety risks (like active construction sites, environmental hazards, or infrastructure repairs). The bill mandates agencies also notify local homelessness outreach services when providing notice, unless one of the five safety exceptions applies. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 8006 establishes a special 8% property tax rate for qualifying affordable housing in Rhode Island, instead of standard local tax rates. To qualify, properties must have legal agreements restricting rents to 30% of tenant income for households at or below 80% of area median income (for 40% of units) or 60% AMI (for 30% of units). Conversions of existing non-residential buildings to housing qualify until 2037, with tax rates gradually increasing from 8% to 12% over 30 years. This directly affects property owners of qualifying affordable housing and local governments setting tax policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of David Sunley Frerichs, a respected farmer, businessman, and former public servant from Warren, Rhode Island. The text honors his life by highlighting his long-standing contributions to the community, including his work on Frerichs Farm, his service on the Warren Town Council, and his dedication to local agricultural events. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Frerichs' family as a formal gesture of sympathy from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.

Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

Requires DCYF to establish segregated savings account for foster care child receiving SS, SSI, veterans benefits or railroad retirement benefits to manage the accounts and keep child eligible for future benefits.