Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after death of the designated beneficiary.
HB 5736 amends existing law concerning public health dental hygienists, primarily to expand the sources from which they can receive reimbursement for their services. Currently, these hygienists are largely limited to reimbursement from Medicaid or state healthcare insurance programs. The bill would permit public health dental hygienists, or the agencies they work for, to seek reimbursement from "other insurance" or third-party payors, including Medicare. This applies to services provided in public health settings such as schools, nursing homes, and community health centers, often performed without immediate dentist supervision under a collaborative agreement. The bill also maintains requirements for patient consent and referrals for further dental examinations.
SB 917 proposes to repeal an existing law that restricts the issuance of certain retail liquor licenses. Currently, these licenses cannot be granted for establishments located within 200 feet of schools or places of public worship. The bill would eliminate this 200-foot proximity rule, as well as the ability of adjoining property owners to object to the granting of such licenses. This would directly affect businesses seeking new retail liquor licenses and the communities surrounding schools and religious institutions.
Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.
Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.
SB 939 establishes the "Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Act" to improve the recycling of packaging and paper products statewide. This bill mandates that producers of these materials fund and enhance municipal recycling programs for consumers at single-family and multi-family residences. Producers will be responsible for costs associated with "covered services," including the collection, transportation, sorting, processing, and public education of recyclable materials. The goal is to reduce waste, establish a circular economy, and improve the overall effectiveness and funding of recycling initiatives.
Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Amends Rhode Island’s existing healthcare services funding plan act by adding an account relating to a new psychiatry resource network to fund Rhode Island’s present PediPRN and MomsPRN.
Senate Bill 890 (SB 890) proposes to change how excess electricity generated by renewable energy systems is valued. Specifically, it would alter the credit for surplus renewable energy fed back into the grid from its current rate to a wholesale rate. This change directly affects individuals, businesses, and other entities that generate more renewable electricity than they use. The bill also updates definitions related to net metering, including "community remote net-metering systems" and various "eligible credit recipients" such as low- or moderate-income housing, educational institutions, and commercial customers.
SB 855 establishes new rules for overtime work for state-employed peace officers, primarily affecting correctional officers in Rhode Island. The bill prevents the state from requiring these employees to work beyond an agreed-upon 8-hour (or 10-hour for correctional officer stewards) shift, except in unforeseeable emergent circumstances like a riot. Even in emergencies, overtime can only be required as a last resort after the employer has exhausted reasonable efforts to obtain staffing. If the state violates these provisions and requires work beyond the limit, it must pay the employee double time and a half their regular salary.
Senate Bill 891 requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at finding the best ways to lower energy rates for consumers in Rhode Island. Due by April 30, 2026, the study will investigate energy rates in other states and review current Rhode Island energy programs that contribute to costs. It also calls for recommendations to implement "energy notes" on future legislation to transparently show their impact on energy costs. An appropriation of $100,000 is provided to hire consultants and experts for this study.
Senate Bill 990, known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE ACT), establishes new regulations for individuals and businesses that charge fees to assist veterans with benefits claims. It prohibits upfront fees and mandates that compensation be contingent on an increase in benefits, capped at five times the monthly increase. The bill also restricts compensation for claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran waives free services. Additionally, it requires service providers to disclose their non-affiliation with government veterans' services and prohibits practices such as using international data centers for veteran personal information or accessing a veteran's accounts with their login credentials. Violations of these provisions could result in civil penalties.
