Rep. Michelle McGaw

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $10 million in funding for Rhode Island's Community Health Worker Initiative, administered by the Department of Health. It directly affects community health workers and the programs they support across the state. The key provision is a one-time appropriation to expand or sustain these workforce programs, which connect residents with health resources in underserved areas. The bill was introduced to the House Finance Committee on February 27, 2026, and remains pending.

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

Maddy summaryHB 7058 exempts scalp hair prostheses and wigs necessary due to medical conditions from the state's sales tax. This directly affects individuals experiencing hair loss from medical issues, such as cancer treatment or alopecia, who purchase these items. The bill amends tax code sections to explicitly include these prosthetic devices under existing medical exemptions, removing the sales tax burden. This is a concrete policy change that simplifies access to medically necessary hair replacement products without altering broader tax structures.

Maddy summaryHB 7661 amends Rhode Island law to give towns greater flexibility in setting local property tax rates. It allows municipalities like Portsmouth to adopt, repeal, or modify their tax classification plans starting in 2027, with specific rate limits between property classes (e.g., residential vs. commercial). Key provisions require that tax rates for different property classes cannot differ by more than 50% (except in Providence, Glocester, and East Greenwich), and towns must document rate changes to municipal affairs to prevent reduced tax revenue. The bill applies broadly to Rhode Island municipalities but includes tailored rules for specific towns like East Greenwich, which can adjust its tax plan annually without annual approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 3-9, 2026, as Composting Awareness Week in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of composting, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and improving soil health. The resolution encourages the Governor and the Department of Environmental Management to hold related activities and invites all Rhode Islanders to participate in composting efforts.

Regulates property insurers to limit underwriting and investment in fossil fuel projects, requires climate risk reporting and emissions disclosures, and aligns insurance practices with science-based climate targets.

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.

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.

Maddy summaryHB 7503 establishes a scholarship program to address Rhode Island's primary care provider shortage by offering financial support to medical students, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The program provides up to $70,000 annually for medical students (over four years) and $47,000 annually for nurse practitioners/physician assistants (over two years), contingent on recipients signing contracts to work in Rhode Island primary care after graduation. Scholarships are administered by the commissioner of postsecondary education in coordination with the Department of Health, targeting applicants with strong academic records and a commitment to serve Rhode Island's population. Recipients must maintain academic standing and fulfill their service obligation in the state to receive funding.