Rep. Lauren Carson

Maddy summaryRhode Island's House of Representatives has passed HR 6023, a symbolic resolution proclaiming March 2025 as "Women's History Month" within the state. This resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific groups; it is a formal recognition of women's historical contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to President Trump, Governor McKee, and Rhode Island's Congressional delegation. It aligns with the National Women's History Alliance's 2025 theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," but does not implement any policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5338 requires every public school system in the state to employ at least one certified school psychologist for every 500 enrolled students, effective September 1, 2027. School psychologists must be certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education. This policy directly affects all public schools statewide by mandating a specific staffing ratio to support student mental health and safety. The bill applies to all school systems regardless of size, with no exemptions specified in the text.

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 summaryHB 5626 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and related services without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects individuals with health insurance plans by mandating coverage for specific methods - including emergency contraception, long-acting prescriptions (up to 12 months), sterilization, counseling, and follow-up care - while excluding male condoms and oral contraceptives without therapeutic equivalents. Insurers must cover at least one FDA-approved option per method category without cost-sharing, though they may offer multiple options with cost-sharing if one remains free. The law excludes experimental treatments and Medicare supplemental plans, and ensures coverage applies equally to spouses and dependents.

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.

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in Rhode Island to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal.

Maddy summaryHB 5424 establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act, requiring large fossil fuel companies that emitted over one billion tons of greenhouse gases between 1990 and 2024 to pay for climate adaptation work already done by the state and municipalities. The bill targets corporations that profited from fossil fuels, directing payments toward climate response efforts like coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, and emergency planning. Funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated account and used exclusively for qualifying climate adaptation projects. The program mandates that companies pay their share based on emissions data within six months of a formal demand, with payment plans allowed only for very small amounts relative to their profits.

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

Establishes a searchable database of healthcare professionals' complaint histories, accessible to employers. License holders can review and dispute inaccuracies, while maintaining current criminal background check requirements.