Rep. Susan Donovan

Maddy summaryHB 5338 requires every public school system in the state to employ at least one certified school psychologist for every 500 enrolled students, effective September 1, 2027. School psychologists must be certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education. This policy directly affects all public schools statewide by mandating a specific staffing ratio to support student mental health and safety. The bill applies to all school systems regardless of size, with no exemptions specified in the text.

Provides that for the period up until July 1, 2027, an applicant for a teaching certificate in Rhode Island would not be required to complete a standardized teacher's examination as a prerequisite to obtaining a teaching certificate.

Maddy summaryHB 5672 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights between siblings who have been separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. The law mandates courts to approve such visits if they serve the child's best interests, there is a significant emotional bond between siblings, and involved parties (including birth parents) have negotiated an agreement or the court establishes one. It also requires adoptive/foster parents, guardians, and child welfare agencies to cooperate in facilitating contact, while allowing children aged 12 or older to express their views in court. The bill prohibits monetary damages in disputes over these arrangements and requires court approval for any modifications to visitation agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 5626 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and related services without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects individuals with health insurance plans by mandating coverage for specific methods - including emergency contraception, long-acting prescriptions (up to 12 months), sterilization, counseling, and follow-up care - while excluding male condoms and oral contraceptives without therapeutic equivalents. Insurers must cover at least one FDA-approved option per method category without cost-sharing, though they may offer multiple options with cost-sharing if one remains free. The law excludes experimental treatments and Medicare supplemental plans, and ensures coverage applies equally to spouses and dependents.

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 resolution designates February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island. It is a ceremonial observance with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements - it simply recognizes the importance of public education through a formal state proclamation. The resolution highlights values like school equity, educator support, and student success, but does not alter existing laws or programs. It directly affects Rhode Island residents and schools by encouraging community recognition during that week.

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.