Rep. Michelle McGaw

Maddy summaryHB 7605 requires vehicle sellers to provide written notice to buyers before sale if a vehicle was used in a violent crime or exposed to biohazardous contamination (such as blood, bodily fluids, or infectious materials requiring professional cleanup). This applies to all sellers, including dealerships and private parties, and directly affects buyers who might otherwise unknowingly purchase such vehicles. The bill amends deceptive trade practices law to declare failure to disclose these conditions an unfair or deceptive act. It takes effect immediately upon passage, with no specified effective date beyond that.

Requires that any private short-term disability insurance (STDI) carrier that bids to provide coverage to Rhode Island state employees must cover all eligible employees, regardless of age.

Maddy summaryHR 7340 is a non-binding House resolution urging Rhode Island insurers and the Rhode Island Property Insurance Association to pursue subrogation claims against fossil fuel polluters who knowingly misled the public about climate impacts. It directly affects homeowners by seeking to lower insurance costs through reimbursement from polluters, similar to past cases involving tobacco and opioids. The resolution does not create new laws but encourages insurers to use existing legal mechanisms to recover costs from polluters responsible for climate-related damages that drive up premiums. It was introduced to the House Corporations committee on January 28, 2026.

Permits but not directs a municipality to establish, by ordinance, certain requirements regarding accessory dwelling units regarding ownership for 5 years, non-family ADUs to be rented at affordable rates and limit size to 1,000 sq. ft.

Requires the state, and private insurers that cover prescription hormone therapy, to dispense twelve (12) months’ worth of the prescription as a single prescription.

Require that routine childhood and adult immunization vaccine recommendations that are developed from evidence based, medically sound scientific research by the department of health.

Maddy summaryHB 7627 extends early intervention services under Rhode Island's Part C program for children with special health care needs whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31. This change prevents a service gap by allowing these children to remain in early intervention until September 1 after their third birthday, bridging to preschool services. The bill directly affects families of children with developmental disabilities born in this window, ensuring continuity of care without interruption. It aligns with federal law allowing states to extend such services and requires the state to implement this by January 2028, following a 2026 plan development phase.

Maddy summaryHB 7742 amends Rhode Island law to explicitly permit the home production and sale of pickles and relish as farm home food products. It directly affects Rhode Island farmers who sell homemade foods at farmers' markets or farmstands, expanding the list of non-refrigerated foods they can legally make under existing regulations. The key provision adds pickles and relish to the current list of permitted foods (like jams, pies, and dried herbs) that don't require refrigeration. Farmers must still follow all existing kitchen standards, labeling requirements, and registration rules for farm home food operations. This change clarifies that these products are now included in the category of nonpotentially hazardous foods eligible for home manufacturing.

Maddy summaryHB 7970 requires all locksmiths in Rhode Island to obtain a license and pass a criminal background check before practicing. This bill directly affects locksmiths seeking to legally work in the state. The key provisions mandate licensing as a condition for employment and require background checks to verify applicants' criminal history. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Labor Committee.

Establishes the Healthy Kids Act whereby restaurants would be required to offer at least two (2) healthy versions of children's meals, or twenty-five percent (25%) of the children's meals on its menu, whichever is greater.