Rep. Michelle McGaw

Maddy summaryHB 5358 creates immunity from arrest or prosecution for individuals involved in commercial sexual activity (like prostitution) who report crimes they witnessed or were victims of, provided they report in good faith and cooperate with investigations. It directly affects people engaged in commercial sex who report related crimes, such as assault or trafficking, by shielding them from charges under sections prohibiting prostitution (§ 11-34.1-2) and procurement (§ 11-34.1-4). The law requires victims/witnesses to promptly report to law enforcement and assist in investigations to qualify for immunity. This changes enforcement by prioritizing crime reporting over prosecuting the underlying commercial activity when linked to a separate crime.

Maddy summaryHB 5098 creates a new vehicle registration category for "forestry vehicles" used in forest product operations. It requires these vehicles (like logging trucks or equipment used for harvesting, processing, or delivering wood products on public roads) to get special farm plates marked with a forestry symbol, instead of standard registration. The bill applies only to forestry businesses with annual revenue under $2.5 million, excluding commercial hauling services like sand/gravel transport. This change simplifies registration for small forestry operations conducting their own forest product activities.

Mandates paid leave by allowing qualified employees to take medical leave to undergo donation procedures, medical tests, and recovery related to being a living organ donor, or bone marrow transplant donor.

Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to one per year unless an identified problem exists or fraud or misrepresentation is suspected.

Maddy summaryHB 6038 removes the previous 3-month supply limit for initial contraceptive prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists in Rhode Island. This change directly affects patients seeking their first contraceptive prescription from a pharmacist, allowing them to receive a longer initial supply. The bill amends existing law to eliminate the three-month restriction while maintaining other requirements, such as pharmacist training, risk assessments, and provider notification. It ensures insurance coverage for pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives under the same terms as prescriptions from other providers.

Provides extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, recycling of beverage containers, and provides general provisions for oversight of single-stage producer organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 5633 allows pharmacists to dispense a one-time refill of certain medications for up to 100 days to help patients continue essential therapy when a doctor isn't immediately available or the patient lacks a current prescriber. It applies only to non-controlled medications critical for chronic conditions (like diabetes or heart disease), where stopping treatment could cause serious health issues, and requires pharmacists to notify the prescriber within seven business days. The bill specifically excludes controlled substances (Schedules II-V) and mandates that pharmacists use professional judgment to assess health risks. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and directly affects patients with ongoing medical needs and pharmacists managing prescription access.

Maddy summaryHB 6093 establishes a review process for any changes to parking near coastal shoreline rights-of-way in Rhode Island. It requires cities, towns, private entities, or organizations to submit detailed plans demonstrating ADA compliance, public access preservation, and a 30-day public comment period before restricting parking. The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) must jointly review proposals to ensure they align with public access goals and accessibility standards. Violations - such as modifying parking without following these steps - may result in cease-and-desist orders or daily fines up to $500. The bill does not apply to temporary, safety-related parking restrictions by state/municipal agencies lasting under 20 days.

Maddy summaryHB 6118 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover mobile response and stabilization services for children and youth under 18 experiencing acute mental health crises, such as aggression, self-injury, or suicidal thoughts. The bill mandates coverage for certified providers delivering immediate crisis intervention, assessment, and follow-up care, effective for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. It excludes certain policies like accident-only, Medicare supplements, and limited-benefit plans. This policy change directly affects insurers, certified behavioral health providers, and young people enrolled in covered health plans.

Authorizes the establishment of a Rhode Island housing champion designation program and makes qualified municipalities eligible to receive preferential access to state resources, including discretionary state infrastructure funds, as available.