Rep. Michelle McGaw

Primary HB 8032

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits.

EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill restricts housing density in watersheds to prevent pollution and ensure water availability, directly aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence HousingOpposes HousingEliminates density bonuses for housing in watersheds, restricting development to water capacity limits and potentially limiting affordable housing options.85% confidence

died May 29, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8500

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Promotes fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability in the state’s healthcare system by mandating that certain reporting covered health entities submit quarterly financial reports to the secretary.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates quarterly financial reporting to promote fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability, directly supporting responsible budget management.85% confidence HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates financial transparency and accountability for health entities, which strengthens the healthcare system's integrity and trust.75% confidence

died May 28, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HR 8598

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

HOUSE RESOLUTION DECLARING MAY 28, 2026, AS "PHARMACY ADVOCACY DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 28, 2026, as Pharmacy Advocacy Day in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to public health. The resolution encourages citizens, healthcare professionals, and organizations to participate in events that promote pharmacy advocacy and raise awareness about the vital role pharmacists play in medication management and patient care. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors pharmacists' contributions to public health and encourages advocacy for medication management and patient care.75% confidence

Passed May 28, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8407

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- RETIREMENT SYSTEM -- CONTRIBUTION AND BENEFITS

Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.

EducationOpposes EducationBill restricts adjunct instructors to two classes per semester, limiting their teaching opportunities and reducing educational access.85% confidence Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill limits teaching load for adjuncts, restricting their ability to teach more classes and effectively capping potential earnings.85% confidence

died May 19, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7631

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MEDICARE ENROLLMENT

Requires the EOHHS to disregard an individual’s assets or resources, when determining an individual’s eligibility for any Medicare beneficiary program, contingent on federal approval.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareDisregards asset checks for Medicare eligibility, expanding access to coverage without federal approval requirement.95% confidence

died May 19, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HR 8550

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

HOUSE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAY OF 2026 AS “RHODE ISLAND NATIVE PLANT MONTH”

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Rhode Island Native Plant Month to raise public awareness about the benefits of native plants. It directly affects residents and organizations by encouraging them to learn about and use native species for landscaping. The resolution asks the Department of Environmental Management to promote the use of these plants to support local wildlife, improve soil and water quality, and reduce the need for pesticides. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight environmental stewardship.

EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes native plants to support local wildlife, improve soil and water quality, and reduce pesticide use, directly advancing environmental conservation.90% confidence

Passed May 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8502

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- VICTIM PROXIMITY PROTECTION ACT

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim safety and protects civil rights by restricting offender proximity to victims, a core criminal justice goal.95% confidence

died May 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7587

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization barriers for anticonvulsant/antipsychotic meds, improving patient access to essential treatments under medical assistance program.95% confidence

died May 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7586

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

Updates the description of the early intervention program and the agency responsible for the program under Part C of the federal Individuals with disabilities education act.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareUpdates early intervention program for children with special health care needs under federal IDEA, maintaining maternal and child health services access.90% confidence

died May 14, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 8490

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE NOREEN DREXEL BIRTHING CENTER FUND

Establishes a fund within the department of health to support the operation and expansion of women’s, maternal, and infant health and birthing services at Newport Hospital.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a fund to support and expand maternal and infant health services at Newport Hospital.95% confidence

died May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track