Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 5747 establishes a new Board of Trustees for the University of Rhode Island (URI), making it a public corporation with legal title to URI property. This Board assumes powers and duties for URI previously held by the Council on Postsecondary Education, becoming the employer of record for university faculty and staff. The bill grants the Board authority to manage its own procurement processes and requires it to define and implement performance-based measures for the university. Additionally, it mandates the Board to develop transfer pathways for students from community colleges and ensure URI accepts Advanced Placement scores of 3 or better for course credit.
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.
Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.
Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Maddy summaryHB 5203 directs the Department of Education and the Office of Energy Resources to develop new regulations for school buildings. These regulations will require all school buildings to meet a "zero energy capable" standard by December 31, 2037, with the regulations themselves to be adopted by June 30, 2026. The bill ensures that local education agencies have flexibility to pursue state and federal funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy systems without losing state housing aid. It also mandates guidance for school districts to build, own, and operate solar panels using federal incentives.
Maddy summaryHR 5234 is a joint resolution proposing to appropriate $500,000 from the state treasury to the United Way of Rhode Island. This funding is designated to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system. The 2-1-1 service is a free and confidential hotline available to all Rhode Islanders 24/7, connecting them to assistance for needs like housing, childcare, healthcare, food, and utilities. It also serves as a communication resource during state crises and natural disasters.
Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.
Maddy summaryHB 5836 requires every high school in Rhode Island to offer a yearlong "ethnic studies" course starting with the 2026-27 school year. This course would study American history and the experiences of racialized communities, including specific histories such as Native American, Black, Asian American, and Latin American. It would become a social studies core credit and a high school graduation requirement for students graduating in 2030 and beyond. The bill also establishes a student-led ethnic studies leadership council to oversee curriculum development and implementation.
Exempts law enforcement records from public disclosure if releasing them could reveal the identity of a human trafficking victim or someone eligible for an affirmative defense under certain prostitution-related laws.
