Requires that an independent efficiency and performance audit of the department of transportation be commissioned by the department of administration.
Maddy summaryHB 7536 requires health insurance companies in this state to cover specific pharmacist services that would otherwise be covered if provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. It mandates coverage for services like medication management, immunizations, patient evaluations, and lab test ordering without requiring physician supervision or referrals. Health plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (not just pharmacy drug networks) and cover these services both within and outside their networks when local providers aren't available. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and expires January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 7841 requires veterinarians to discuss treatment options with pet owners when prescribing and dispensing drugs for an animal's annual veterinary care. This applies specifically to routine prescriptions during standard annual check-ups, not one-time treatments. The bill directly affects veterinarians who dispense medications and the pet owners receiving those prescriptions. It creates a new requirement for veterinarians to provide this consultation as part of the prescription process, aiming to improve communication about medication use. (Note: The bill is currently under review by the House Corporations committee as of March 2026.)
Maddy summaryHB 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.
Maddy summaryHB 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.
Amends current law on controlled substances to permit psilocybin to be cultivated within a person's residence for personal use and contingent on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) program, mandates that RI DOH establishes rules regulations.
Imposes a tax equal to four percent (4%) on net investment income, such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains and rental income, of high-income households, estates and trusts, based upon federal guidelines.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7826) commemorates Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan, who died during a violent incident at Pawtucket's Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16, 2026. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences to their families and commends the heroism of first responders and citizens who intervened during the tragedy. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Dorgan families and Pawtucket's mayor. As a commemorative resolution, it contains no new laws or policy changes, solely offering symbolic recognition and support.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. HR 7829 expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the family of Carlo Spirito, Jr., a former Cranston City Council member and math teacher, following his passing. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Florence Spirito, and family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, programs, or specific groups beyond this formal expression of sympathy.
Maddy summaryHB 7750 would allow plaintiffs in civil lawsuits to seek punitive damages when defendants acted with "willful or wanton conduct" or showed "reckless disregard" for health, safety, or welfare. This applies to cases like wrongful death claims (under Title 10, Chapter 7) and requires evidence proving the defendant knew or should have known their actions were dangerous. The bill defines "willful or wanton conduct" as heedless, reckless behavior ignoring consequences or others' safety. It directly affects plaintiffs pursuing civil claims against parties whose actions caused foreseeable harm through intentional or grossly negligent behavior. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.
