Rhode Island Bills

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 2458: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- INTERSTATE MEDICAL LICENSURE COMPACT

SB 2458 requires the state to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by July 1, 2026, enabling out-of-state doctors to practice telemedicine in the state. This directly affects patients seeking telemedicine services and healthcare providers licensed in other states who wish to offer remote care. The bill adds a new telemedicine chapter (23-104-1) specifying that patients may receive telemedicine services, including from out-of-state providers, under the compact. It mandates the Department of Health and Insurance Commissioner to create necessary rules for implementation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 2572: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

SB 2572 permits physician assistants (PAs) to practice without a physician's direct supervision and allows them to receive direct Medicaid payments for services. The bill removes the requirement for PAs to have a written agreement or direct oversight from a physician, enabling them to provide medical care collaboratively within their training. It also increases the number of PAs on the licensing board from three to five and requires the Department of Human Services to update regulations for direct Medicaid payments to PAs. This changes existing practice rules without creating new medical services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7537: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7573: AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE ROADS

Permits municipalities to enter into contracts with the department of transportation for the municipality to perform minor and routine maintenance work on state highways, roadways, and shoulders located within the municipality.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7984: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC FINANCE -- INDEPENDENT PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY AUDIT OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

HB 7984 requires the Rhode Island Auditor General to conduct an independent audit of the Department of Transportation's performance and efficiency. This bill directly affects the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) by mandating a review of its operations and resource use. The key provision is the requirement for a formal, external audit focused on identifying areas for cost savings and improved service delivery. The bill is currently pending, having been referred to the House State Government & Elections Committee for further study.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 2487: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DIGITAL ELECTRONICS RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7844: AN ACT RELATING TO CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS -- RHODE ISLAND BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

Requires businesses that conduct business to register and maintain required filings with the secretary of state so that consumers and small businesses may readily identify responsible parties, verify good standing, and effectuate service of process.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7790: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- LIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND REFLECTORS

HB 7790 adds vehicles owned by the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Inc. to the list of authorized vehicles allowed to display flashing lights under Rhode Island's vehicle lighting laws. This change directly affects the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, enabling their vehicles to use approved flashing lights (white or amber at front, red at rear) for emergency response visibility. The bill amends existing law to include this organization in the category of vehicles already permitted to use such lights, alongside emergency vehicles, school buses, and other emergency response units. It does not create new requirements but expands the current exemption to cover this specific disaster response team. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7948: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 2609: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

SB 2609 requires sellers to provide written notice to buyers before selling any motor vehicle that was used in a violent crime or exposed to biohazardous contamination (such as blood, bodily fluids, human remains, or infectious materials requiring professional remediation). This applies to all vehicle sellers and directly affects buyers who might otherwise unknowingly purchase such vehicles. The bill amends deceptive trade practices law to declare failure to disclose these conditions an unfair or deceptive act. It defines biohazardous contamination broadly to include visible evidence requiring professional cleaning before safe resale.

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7670: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATION OF BICYCLES

HB 7670 requires bicyclists to slow down or stop at stop signs and yield to vehicles that pose an immediate hazard, such as cars approaching the intersection. It specifically applies to bicyclists operating on public roads and modifies existing traffic laws to clarify that they must stop if safety requires it before entering an intersection. After slowing or stopping and yielding to vehicles, bicyclists may proceed without stopping if safe. The bill does not change other bicycle operation rules, like signaling turns.

Topics ✓ Transportation

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7628: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES-NON-OPIOID PAIN TREATMENT

HB 7628 requires health insurers in the state to develop plans providing adequate coverage and access to non-opioid pain management services, including non-opioid medications and non-drug alternatives, for policies delivered, issued, or renewed after January 1, 2027. Insurers must submit these plans to the health insurance commissioner for approval, ensuring they do not unduly favor opioid coverage over other options. The plans must include educational materials for providers and be posted on insurer websites. This applies to all health insurance carriers offering prescription coverage, aiming to expand access to non-opioid pain treatment alternatives.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results