HB 7514, titled the "Price Tags Act," creates new rules to prevent grocery suppliers from using unfair pricing tactics against smaller retailers in Rhode Island. It requires suppliers to offer identical pricing terms for the same grocery products (like packaged foods) to all retailers buying in similar quantities, and to share anonymized pricing data with non-dominant retailers upon request. The law specifically targets large suppliers (annual sales over $6 billion) and dominant retailers (annual sales over $18 billion across 20+ states), prohibiting them from refusing sales or offering different terms without valid justification. Covered goods exclude gasoline, prescription drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, focusing on everyday grocery items sold in stores.
Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.
This bill's title (HB 7849) relates to trade name filings, but its official abstract incorrectly describes it as creating a "surveillance pricing and online retailing act" prohibiting algorithmic price increases. **However, the provided context contains a clear contradiction between the bill's stated title and the abstract's description.** The abstract claims it would ban algorithmic price hikes for online purchases, but this does not align with the title's focus on trade name filings. The bill is currently in committee (referred to House Corporations, scheduled for hearing on 03/03/2026), but no concrete policy provisions are described beyond the conflicting abstract. Given the inconsistency, a factual summary cannot be reliably generated from the provided information.
Charges a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each battery powered elective motor vehicle safety inspection. It would also require any vehicle, regardless of gross vehicle weight rating, to be subject to emissions inspection.
HB 7990 would establish state efficiency standards for tires sold in the state, requiring manufacturers to meet specific performance criteria aimed at improving vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. It directly affects tire manufacturers (who must comply with new standards) and vehicle owners (who would purchase tires meeting these requirements). The key provision sets measurable efficiency targets for tires, with the goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House State Government & Elections committee, having been referred for further study after a committee hearing.
SB 2494 creates new rules for companies that fund lawsuits (called "litigation financiers") in Rhode Island. It requires these companies to register with the Department of Business Regulation, post a $50,000 bond, and follow strict rules including no referral fees to lawyers, no misleading advertising, and no interference with consumers' legal decisions. The law protects people who receive lawsuit funding (consumers), their lawyers, and medical providers by prohibiting financiers from reporting unpaid debts to credit bureaus or taking control of case strategy. Key provisions ensure consumers retain full control over their legal claims and settlements. This directly affects anyone using third-party lawsuit funding in Rhode Island, adding oversight to a growing industry.
Provides specific language for signs to be posted at certain establishments notifying people of contact information to the national human trafficking resource center.
Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.
SB 2135 repeals a law that previously prevented people from gaining legal rights to footways (sidewalks or pedestrian paths) through long-term, continuous use without permission. This change would allow property owners or neighbors to potentially claim footway access rights by meeting standard adverse possession requirements, removing the prior exception for carriage access. The bill directly affects property owners involved in disputes over sidewalk access or easements, enabling new legal pathways for resolving such claims.
HB 7190 requires health insurers in Rhode Island to disclose how they use artificial intelligence (AI) to manage healthcare claims and coverage decisions. Insurers must report AI models, training data, performance metrics, and documentation of AI-influenced decisions to state regulators, and maintain records for five years. Crucially, the bill mandates that any AI-driven denial of medically necessary care must be reviewed and approved by a licensed healthcare provider with the same specialty as the ordering provider before finalization. This directly affects insurers, enrollees (patients), and healthcare providers by adding human oversight to AI decisions on coverage. The law aims to ensure transparency and accountability in AI use for non-administrative coverage decisions, such as denials of medically necessary treatments.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
Amends unfair claims practices law by requiring an insurance appraisal by a licensed appraiser where damage to a motor vehicle exceeds $5,000 (from $2,500) and eliminates language that prohibits an appraisal based on photos of a damaged motor vehicle.
