Rep. Michelle McGaw

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to end a cost-sharing practice (called a "gas line extension allowance") where all gas customers pay for new gas line connections to serve new customers. The resolution cites the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy, which requires reducing gas use for home heating to meet emissions targets, and argues that new gas infrastructure locks in long-term gas dependency beyond 2050. The request is directed to the Commission as part of its pending rate review (Docket 25-45-GE) for utility rate adjustments.

Submits a proposition to be placed on the ballot at the next general election authorizing the issuance of bonds for a medical school on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston campus.

In effect repeals the provisions of the newly enacted law prohibiting smoking in pari mutual facilities with the exception for businesses operating as a pari mutual facility smoking lounge.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally celebrates the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, in Rhode Island. It calls on state residents to learn about environmental challenges and participate in solutions, while directing the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to specific state environmental officials. The document serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than establishing new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 8114 requires the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) director to share a child’s school enrollment information with the child’s school nurse when that child is placed in foster care. This directly affects school nurses, DCYF staff, and children in foster care who attend public schools. The key provision mandates DCYF to proactively provide this enrollment detail to school nurses to ensure continuity of care. The bill aims to improve communication between child welfare and school staff for foster youth.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's low and moderate income housing laws to clarify definitions and streamline the approval process for developers building affordable housing. It establishes new categories for counting affordable units, including rental properties with federal vouchers and certain mobile homes, while also defining what constitutes municipal subsidies like tax abatements and zoning incentives. The legislation allows developers to submit a single application for comprehensive permits when at least 25% of a project is affordable housing, provided the city or town does not already have high levels of affordable housing with inclusionary zoning. These changes aim to make it clearer how different types of housing contribute to local affordable housing goals and simplify the permitting process for qualifying projects.

Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to maintain and repair state-owned boat ramps and docks to ensure public access to waterways. It creates a special funding account financed by fees collected from users of these facilities to cover maintenance costs. The legislation also directs the department to establish rules clarifying how maintenance responsibilities are divided between the state and local municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $40,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for participation in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC). The NFFPC is a mutual aid agreement among seven New England states, New York, and five Canadian provinces that allows states to share firefighting resources during large wildfires. Rhode Island uses this compact to access specialized equipment and personnel from other jurisdictions when local resources are overwhelmed, and this funding covers the state's share of costs for wages, transportation, and maintenance when requesting assistance. The bill does not change the compact's rules but ensures Rhode Island meets its financial obligations under the existing agreement.

Maddy summaryHB 7698 creates a tax credit for businesses that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe for consumption meeting basic safety standards) to qualifying nonprofits. Businesses like restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 annually per business. Nonprofits receiving donations must verify the food meets safety standards and is used to serve the needy, providing a certificate to the donor. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of the tax code and takes effect January 1, 2027.