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House names Mary Ann Shallcross Smith chair of Small Business Committee
Summary
The Rhode Island House appointed Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith as chair of the House Small Business Committee on Jan. 8, 2026; colleagues welcomed her and pledged committee engagement with local businesses.
Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith was appointed chair of the House Small Business Committee during the opening session of the Rhode Island House of Representatives on Jan. 8, 2026. The clerk read the Speaker's appointment into the record and Shallcross Smith thanked colleagues for the opportunity, pledging to listen to business owners and collaborate across the legislature.
Why it matters: the Small Business Committee oversees legislation and oversight affecting local businesses, small-business supports and regulatory issues. Leadership of that committee determines agenda-setting and which bills receive early review.
Shallcross Smith said she was "thrilled and honored" to serve and that she intends to be "fully available, actively engaging with the committee members, and also with Rhode Island business community." Representative Vos congratulated the new chair and praised her experience in both the legislature and as a business owner, saying she would "fit into this position perfectly." The House recorded the appointment as part of routine communications and moved on to other business.
The House did not take roll-call votes on the appointment during the session; the change was announced by the clerk and left on the desk for the record. The chamber also listed several members as absent for the day.
