Rep. Susan Donovan

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6277 clarifies eligibility for the "Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowships" program, which provides tax credits for education loan repayment. The bill expands the definition of a "full-time employee" for healthcare practitioners to include those working as sole proprietors, partners in a healthcare service partnership, or members of a single-member LLC. To qualify, these individuals must work a minimum of 35 hours per week in Rhode Island. This change applies to healthcare professionals who have submitted applications on or after July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 5984 establishes "The Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program" to increase the number of primary care healthcare providers in Rhode Island. The program, administered by the Director of the Department of Health, offers scholarships to students pursuing careers as medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Eligible recipients can receive up to $70,000 annually for medical school or $47,000 annually for nurse practitioner or physician assistant programs. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients must agree to work in Rhode Island providing primary care healthcare services upon completing their education and licensing.

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program and managed care organizations that it contracts with from requiring prior authorization or step therapy protocol for a prescription of a nonpreferred anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

Maddy summaryHB 6236 proposes to amend the structure of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. It redefines the geographical boundaries of nine school bus regions, affecting pupils attending public, vocational, special education, and certain nonpublic schools. Local school committees are tasked with providing bus transportation for eligible students residing within their specific region. The bill also includes provisions for a transition period for existing transportation arrangements and addresses funding for specific educational programs, including a stabilization fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution supports the recognition of the Pokanoket Tribe as the ancient and ongoing stewards of their ancestral homeland. It acknowledges their central role in shaping the region's past, present, and future, honoring their ancestors and descendants, and commits to promoting their cultural heritage and sacred lands in Rhode Island history.

Mandates additional state education funding for the mental and behavioral health of students equal to 2% of the district’s total expenditures, and require those funds be used to hire staff such as school social workers, and behavioral specialists.

Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.

Directs the DHS and the department of education to work collaboratively to sustain and strengthen existing workforce development and compensation programs for educators working in licensed child care and early learning programs statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 5981, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," proposes to establish a new state funding category specifically for civics education. This bill amends an existing section of law (16-7.2-6) that outlines various categorical state-funded education expenses. If enacted, public school districts would become eligible to receive direct state funding for their civics education programs, similar to support currently provided for areas like special education and career and technical education.