Rep. Michelle McGaw

Maddy summaryHB 7944 requires health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment under the same terms as medical care. It prohibits annual or lifetime dollar limits on such coverage and mandates that financial requirements (like copays) and treatment restrictions must not be more stringent than those for physical health conditions. The bill specifies coverage categories (e.g., inpatient, outpatient), mandates medication-assisted treatments for substance use disorders (like methadone), and ensures cost-sharing for behavioral health visits matches primary care standards, directly affecting all health insurance plans and their policyholders.

Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryHB 7739, the Green Buildings Act, requires all new state or municipal public buildings over 10,000 square feet and major renovations of existing public buildings over 10,000 square feet to meet green building standards. It mandates compliance with LEED certification or equivalent standards (like Green Globes) for projects not in design before July 1, 2023, and ties this requirement to building permits. The law directly affects public schools receiving state funding, state agencies, and municipalities managing public facilities. A new 17-member Green Buildings Act Commission will oversee implementation and approve equivalent standards. This policy aims to reduce energy costs, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in public infrastructure.

Creates the multi-unit residential decarbonization initiative program to provide funding for feasibility studies to convert large, multi-family residential units to non-emitting renewable geothermal energy.

Directs the office of energy resources to develop building performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island that would cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline in line with the act on climate requirements.

Provides that the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs may include the name of the dispensing healthcare practice instead of the name of the dispenser.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences to the O'Loughlin family following the deaths of six-year-old Hudson and eighty-four-year-old Elisabeth O'Loughlin. It does not create new laws or change policy but serves as a formal statement of respect and mourning from the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution also includes a commitment to improve street safety for children and public transportation access for seniors. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the family by the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Women's History Month in the State of Rhode Island to honor the contributions of women throughout history. The resolution recognizes women's roles in social movements, the economy, and public service while acknowledging their historical underrepresentation in American history. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the U.S. President, the Rhode Island Governor, and the state's congressional delegation. This is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 7984 requires the Rhode Island Auditor General to conduct an independent audit of the Department of Transportation's performance and efficiency. This bill directly affects the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) by mandating a review of its operations and resource use. The key provision is the requirement for a formal, external audit focused on identifying areas for cost savings and improved service delivery. The bill is currently pending, having been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee for further study.

Maddy summaryHB 7934 amends pharmacy laws to require parental consent for all immunizations given by pharmacists to individuals between the ages of three and eighteen. The bill also mandates that pharmacists electronically report these vaccinations to the Department of Health within seven days and notify the patient's primary care provider within fourteen days. Additionally, pharmacists must make a good-faith effort to identify a patient's primary care provider to facilitate this notification. This legislation directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, patients, and their parents or guardians.