Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHB 7940 prohibits insurance companies and health plans in Rhode Island from denying coverage or imposing restrictions based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or reproductive health needs. It specifically bans discrimination in coverage for gender-affirming care and reproductive services (including abortion, contraception, and lactation support), and requires insurers to provide clear grievance procedures for discrimination complaints. The bill applies to all health insurance plans offered by licensed insurers, hospitals, and health plans in the state, directly affecting both insurers' policies and policyholders' access to care. It expands existing anti-discrimination rules to include new categories like gender expression and pregnancy-related conditions while maintaining medical necessity as a valid coverage criterion.

Prohibits the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, public hearing, and approval by the department of health.

Provides the general assembly make an annual appropriation of not less than eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) to the Rhode Island emergency management agency to assist with emergency communications during major or multiple emergency incidents.

Deletes the provision permitting out of state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states. It also corrects a minor typographical error.

Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform.

Increases reimbursement caps promulgated in 2018 and applies to eligible costs for library projects incurred from June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2031, or ending earlier if the Office of Library Information Services amends the regulations.

Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 7249 expands a state program that provides payments to municipalities in lieu of property taxes for certain exempt facilities. It specifically adds facilities operated by the federal Department of Defense (such as military bases) to the list of eligible properties, making them qualify for annual payments equal to 27% of the property taxes they would have paid if taxable. These payments are intended to compensate municipalities for providing essential services like police, fire, and infrastructure to these federal facilities. The bill does not change existing eligibility for other exempt properties like hospitals or schools, but extends the 27% payment mechanism to Defense Department sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates April 2026 as the 'Month of the Military Child' within the State of Rhode Island to honor the sacrifices of military families. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by military children, such as frequent school transitions, and specifically acknowledges the Middletown School District for serving a significant number of these students. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the proclamation to the Middletown School Committee and Superintendent William J. Niemeyer to facilitate local observance.

Maddy summaryHB 7675 establishes a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (paid by waste haulers and landfill operators) to fund composting initiatives. The revenue flows into a dedicated "Compost Fund," which supports three grant programs: competitive grants for composting projects, municipal waste diversion grants (available only to towns that opt-in), and infrastructure development. The bill directly affects waste disposal entities and municipalities, aiming to reduce landfill use by incentivizing organic waste diversion. Key provisions include quarterly surcharge collection starting in 2027, annual adjustments tied to inflation or a 20% increase, and requiring funds to stay within the Compost Fund rather than returning to the general state budget.