Rep. Charlene Lima

Maddy summaryHB 7816 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Rhode Island to provide written medical justification when denying coverage for prescription drugs. The bill mandates that denials include a detailed, clinically supported reason based on recognized medical standards, reviewed by a licensed healthcare professional, and delivered simultaneously to both the prescribing provider and the patient. It applies to all prescription drug benefit denials under insurance plans governed by Rhode Island law, without changing the terms of the insurance contracts themselves. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from refusing to provide coverage for a prescription drug chosen for a patient by the patient’s healthcare provider.

Requires prescription benefit managers to approve a specific medication prescribed by a doctor when supported by a notarized medical necessity letter and requires that any denial be reviewed and documented by a licensed medical expert.

Maddy summaryHR 7812 is a joint resolution appropriating $3.5 million from the state treasury for the restoration and enhancement of the paved walking path around Meshanticut Lake in Cranston, Rhode Island. The funds will address safety hazards like cracks and uneven terrain caused by wear and weather, with specific focus on resurfacing and structural improvements to ensure safe, accessible access for all users. This directly benefits Cranston residents - over 82,000 people - including park visitors of all ages, local youth athletes from schools like Cranston High School, and individuals with mobility impairments. The resolution authorizes the state controller to release the funds upon proper documentation, aiming to preserve the park as a key recreational resource.

Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. It also prohibits the sale of a force-fed poultry product or food containing a force-fed poultry product.

Maddy summaryHB 7699 eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing Chapter 44-22 of the General Laws, which previously imposed a progressive tax on inherited property. This affects heirs who would have paid taxes on estates valued above $25,000, removing a state-level tax on property transferred after a person's death. The bill removes all tax rates (ranging from 2% to 9% depending on estate size) and related deductions described in the repealed chapter. As a result, estates passing to heirs in Rhode Island will no longer be subject to this specific state tax.

Establishes an office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency, charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Maddy summaryHB 7701 removes state-owned property from the list of assets exempt from local property taxes. This change directly affects state government buildings, offices, and land previously excluded from local tax assessments. The bill amends Section 44-3-3 of Rhode Island's tax code by deleting the exemption for "property belonging to the state" from the list of tax-exempt properties. As a result, state-owned properties will now be subject to local property tax payments, aligning them with other non-exempt properties in the community. This is a direct policy change to tax treatment, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Allows social gaming in private residences and in public taverns or private clubs as long as the gambling is incidental to a bona fide social relationship between the participants and no person other than the participants receive anything of value.

Defines “anti-Semitism” for the state human affairs commission to use while investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination and for the commission against prejudice and bias to use in defining hate crimes.