Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHR 6017 would allocate $450,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Food Bank for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This funding aims to address Rhode Island's food insecurity crisis, where 38% of households face difficulty accessing food and a $400 million funding gap is projected. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation. This is a direct funding measure to support existing food bank operations, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHR 5536 appropriates $200,000 to fund the Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program in Rhode Island. This program directly benefits low-income SNAP recipients who shop at participating farmers markets by doubling the value of their SNAP benefits when spent on locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The funding supports Farm Fresh RI’s existing network of 27 sites across the state, helping families afford fresh produce while supporting local farms. The bill authorizes the state controller to pay the funds to Farm Fresh RI upon receipt of proper vouchers.

Maddy summaryHB 5468 proposes to modify how the state's motor fuel tax is adjusted for inflation. Beginning July 1, 2025, and every two years thereafter, the gasoline tax rate will be updated based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers. The bill specifies that this adjustment will now reflect inflation over the preceding two-year period, rather than the current one-year period. The updated tax rate will be rounded to the nearest cent and cannot fall below the existing 32 cents per gallon, affecting motor fuel distributors and ultimately consumers.

Submits 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds to the voters for approval at the November, 2026, general election.

Maddy summaryHB 5317 amends the law regarding the relocation of utility services necessitated by state highway construction projects. This bill specifies that private corporations and companies will be reimbursed by the state for 50% of the reasonable costs to move their utility facilities. For utility facilities owned by municipalities, political subdivisions, or state agencies, the state will provide full reimbursement for relocation expenses. These reimbursements apply when state-initiated highway projects require the relocation of utility infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6350 amends the current laws regarding hotel taxes. It allows individual cities and towns to levy an additional local hotel tax of up to two percent (2%). This new local tax would be added to the existing one percent (1%) local hotel tax and the five percent (5%) state hotel tax. The state's division of taxation would administer and collect these local taxes, distributing the funds to the city or town where the hotel is located.

Maddy summaryHB 5984 establishes "The Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program" to increase the number of primary care healthcare providers in Rhode Island. The program, administered by the Director of the Department of Health, offers scholarships to students pursuing careers as medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Eligible recipients can receive up to $70,000 annually for medical school or $47,000 annually for nurse practitioner or physician assistant programs. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients must agree to work in Rhode Island providing primary care healthcare services upon completing their education and licensing.

Establishes a new high-cost special education fund to pool resources and generate income to support excess costs associated with providing service to special education students.

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program and managed care organizations that it contracts with from requiring prior authorization or step therapy protocol for a prescription of a nonpreferred anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

Maddy summaryHB 6236 proposes to amend the structure of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. It redefines the geographical boundaries of nine school bus regions, affecting pupils attending public, vocational, special education, and certain nonpublic schools. Local school committees are tasked with providing bus transportation for eligible students residing within their specific region. The bill also includes provisions for a transition period for existing transportation arrangements and addresses funding for specific educational programs, including a stabilization fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center.