Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHB 5469 sets aside $2 million for the Small Business Assistance Program's micro-loan component during fiscal year 2025-2026. It requires that 10-25% of program funds be allocated specifically to micro-loans ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. These loans will be administered by lending organizations selected through a competitive process by the Commerce Corporation, which must have experience supporting microenterprises. The bill directly affects small businesses seeking affordable startup or expansion capital through this targeted loan program.

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 5980 amends state education funding to cover transportation costs for homeless students attending out-of-district public schools. It directly affects school districts that transport homeless students to non-public schools outside their district boundaries. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream to reimburse districts for these specific transportation expenses, with funds prorated if demand exceeds available funding. This provision aims to reduce financial burdens on districts serving homeless students while ensuring equitable access to education.

Allows on and after September 1, 2025, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution would approve changes to Rhode Island's Medicaid program, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state budget allocations. Key provisions include capping nursing facility and hospital rate increases at 2.3% (aligned with projected state tax revenue growth), eliminating annual home care rate increases, and removing hospital payment limits. It also establishes a new interprofessional consultation program and authorizes $396 million in hospital payments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These adjustments require state plan amendments to implement under federal Medicaid waiver rules. The resolution was scheduled for consideration but was withdrawn in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges Rhode Island's federal lawmakers (Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Representatives Magaziner and Amo) to demand that the President reverse policies harming health programs. It specifically calls for reinstating U.S. support for global health initiatives like WHO and PEPFAR, restoring CDC and NIH funding and reporting (including the MMWR), ending restrictions on reproductive health services, and unfreezing Medicaid grants. The resolution targets actions taken under the Trump administration that disrupted HIV treatment, halted disease research, and reduced public health transparency. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests action from the state's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of Judge Bruce Selya, a former U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the First Circuit. It formally honors his 40+ year judicial career, his service to Rhode Island, and his legacy as a respected jurist and community leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Judge Selya's family. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Maddy summaryThis is a House resolution (not a law) requesting the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to conduct a waste audit of the State House, develop waste reduction recommendations, and report by January 5, 2026. It also directs the Joint Committee on Legislative Services and the Division of Capital Asset Management to investigate installing water filling stations and electric car chargers in the State House parking lots to reduce plastic bottle use and support climate goals. The resolution formally asks these agencies to report their findings back to the House by the same deadline. As a procedural request, it does not create new laws but seeks specific actions for state building operations.