Healthcare (Mental Health)

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SR 3145: SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of social workers in the state. The measure recognizes the profession's role in addressing mental health, addiction, poverty, and social justice issues across schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It calls on citizens to support the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's executive director.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors social workers who address mental health, addiction, and social justice issues in healthcare settings, indirectly supporting healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 8242: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- WELLNESS AND OVERSIGHT FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES ACT

Establishes an oversight process which would safeguard individuals seeking therapy or psychotherapy services by ensuring that the services are delivered by qualified, licensed, or certified professionals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes oversight to ensure therapy services are delivered by qualified professionals, protecting patient access to safe mental health care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 3128: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT

This bill directs the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission to allocate $200,000 annually to the Substance Use Mental Health Leadership Council for programs addressing hazardous and underage cannabis use, including education and environmental strategies. It also requires an additional $500,000 yearly appropriation to fund public-facing websites, social media platforms, and ongoing media campaigns related to cannabis safety. The Substance Use Mental Health Leadership Council must submit annual reports on how these funds are used to the Senate president and House speaker by October 1 each year. The legislation applies to the state's cannabis regulatory framework and affects the funding and oversight of public health initiatives related to cannabis consumption.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $200,000 and $500,000 in funding for cannabis education and public awareness programs, directly advancing state budget allocation for public health initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates funding to Substance Use Mental Health Leadership Council for programs addressing hazardous cannabis use and mental health, supporting public health initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health Public Health

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 8268: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE HEALTHCARE SERVICES FUNDING PLAN ACT

This bill amends Rhode Island's Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act to require health insurers to contribute an additional $30 million annually starting in 2026 to support the MomsPRN and PediPRN teleconsultation lines. These programs provide mental health consultation and referral services to pediatric, perinatal, and primary care providers through telephone hotlines. The funding is collected from insurers based on their number of enrollees and deposited into a restricted account managed by the Department of Health. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health submit annual reports on program costs and provides insurers with access to detailed cost information upon request.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurers to contribute $30M annually to fund mental health teleconsultation lines for pediatric and perinatal care, expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Mental Health Primary Care

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 3058: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- 988 CALL CENTER AND CRISIS OUTREACH AND STABILIZATION SERVICES CENTER OPERATIONS ACT

Establishes the operations necessary for a 988 hotline for suicide prevention/behavioral health crisis management. Establishes the operations necessary for acute mental health crisis outreach/stabilization services in direct response to the 988 hotline.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes 988 suicide prevention hotline and mental health crisis services, directly expanding access to behavioral healthcare and strengthening mental health infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 2560: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermits licensed providers to treat mental health/substance use disorders in community settings, directly expanding access to mental health services under healthcare topic.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 7994: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES -- THE POWERS AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES

Expands the DCYF powers by overseeing and administer comprehensive behavioral health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and children with developmental or functional disabilities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands DCYF oversight of behavioral health services for children with emotional/developmental needs, directly strengthening mental health care access and treatment under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 2687: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- THE PROTECT MENTAL HEALTH ACT

Requires health insurers to comply with federal mental health parity laws, prevent discriminatory treatment limits, and ensures meaningful mental health and substance use coverage in all benefit classifications.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurers to comply with mental health parity laws, preventing discrimination and ensuring comprehensive coverage in all benefit classifications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Mental Health

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 8177: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 988 CALL CENTER FUNDING AND OPERATIONS ACT

Establishes a fund and the operations necessary for a hotline for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. Also instates a monthly surcharge on telephone lines to fund the 988 call center.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates telephone line surcharge to fund 988 suicide prevention hotline, advancing essential public health program funding via new tax mechanism.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline via phone surcharge, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Mental Health

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 2452: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

SB 2452 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for children in out-of-school time (OST) programs serving K-12 students across Rhode Island. The bill provides funds for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, culturally responsive materials, and wellness-focused activities within community-based after-school and summer programs. Eligible programs must use funds flexibly to address local needs while prioritizing high-need communities and geographic diversity. The Rhode Island Afterschool Network will administer the grants through a competitive process and submit annual reports on program reach and outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $100,000 from 2026-2027 budget to fund mental health services in after-school programs, directly advancing public service funding under budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $100k for mental health support in K-12 after-school programs, enhancing student well-being and access to educational resources through trauma-informed training and culturally responsive materials.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $100k for mental health services in after-school programs, funding trauma-informed training and wellness activities to improve youth mental health access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

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