Rep. Michelle McGaw

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6300 proclaims the first full week of May, 2025, as "Composting Awareness Week" in the State of Rhode Island. It urges the Governor and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs, and encourages all Rhode Islanders to participate in composting.

Requires the state investment commission to create a capital access initiative to expand potential investment opportunities for the state’s pension fund and engage qualified but traditionally underrepresented investment managers.

Establish a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2030, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 6107 establishes a pilot program for a virtual reality learning platform aimed at improving math and science skills for students in grades 6 through 12. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the bill appropriates $2 million to fund this program. The Department of Education will select a platform through a request for proposal process, which must offer tactile, multimodal learning experiences and demonstrated improvement in Algebra 1. The funds will also be used to train middle and high school mathematics teachers in selected districts to use virtual reality technology in their classrooms.

Maddy summaryHR 6295 designates May of 2025 as "Rhode Island Native Plant Month." The resolution requests the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to encourage citizens to educate themselves about the importance of native plants for the state's environment, economy, and pollinators.

Maddy summaryHB 6248 allows city and town councils to adopt a property tax deferral program for eligible senior citizens, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans who own and occupy a single-family home. Under the program, property taxes can be postponed until the property is sold or all qualified owners die. The deferred taxes, along with 6% annual interest, will constitute a lien against the real estate. Homes with reverse mortgages or less than twenty percent equity are not eligible for this deferral.

Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after death of the designated beneficiary.

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Extends eligibility for lactation counselor services to RIte Start recipients starting October 1, 2025, through the end of their 12 month postpartum period, with coverage provided regardless of federal financial participation.

Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.