Requires a healthcare entity to submit written notice to the attorney general and the department of health of any material change transaction at least 180 days prior to that transaction.
Maddy summaryHB 7940 prohibits insurance companies and health plans in Rhode Island from denying coverage or imposing restrictions based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or reproductive health needs. It specifically bans discrimination in coverage for gender-affirming care and reproductive services (including abortion, contraception, and lactation support), and requires insurers to provide clear grievance procedures for discrimination complaints. The bill applies to all health insurance plans offered by licensed insurers, hospitals, and health plans in the state, directly affecting both insurers' policies and policyholders' access to care. It expands existing anti-discrimination rules to include new categories like gender expression and pregnancy-related conditions while maintaining medical necessity as a valid coverage criterion.
Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.
Maddy summaryHB 8124, titled the "Rhode Island Veterans Home Staffing Support Act of 2026," creates a new legislative framework for supporting staffing at Rhode Island Veterans Homes. The bill, introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Veterans Affairs committee, directly affects state-operated veterans homes and their staffing needs. The provided context does not specify the exact mechanisms or provisions of the bill (e.g., funding methods, staffing ratios, or eligibility criteria), only its title and introduction date. Further details about its concrete policy changes would require access to the full bill text or committee summaries.
Requires the JNC to establish standardized merit-based selection process and that applications be evaluated according to uniform, job-related criteria adopted in advance and published on the commission's website.
Permits RI Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with RI Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to appoint members of JNC and requires judicial candidates to disclose political donations.
Requires that the chief judge of the family court in appointing magistrates do so in accordance with the judicial selection and nomination process set forth in chapter 16.1 of title 8.
Maddy summaryHB 7505 ends Rhode Island's Jobs Development Act tax incentive program by July 1, 2026. It stops all new rate reductions for companies after June 30, 2026, and requires existing beneficiaries who qualified before July 1, 2015, to maintain their current tax rate until the program's end date. The bill does not affect companies that already secured benefits before the 2015 cutoff date, but no new companies can qualify for the tax rate reductions after 2026. This is a straightforward sunset provision for the state's job creation tax incentive program.
Maddy summaryHB 7557, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm manufacturers, distributors, and retailers ("firearm industry members") to implement safety measures preventing sales to prohibited buyers, straw purchasers, or firearm traffickers. It mandates "reasonable controls" to ensure compliance with existing firearm laws, prohibits advertising that promotes illegal use, and bans sales to entities violating these rules. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, injunctions, or loss of business permits. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to civil cases filed after that date.
Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.
