Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.
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.
Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.
Maddy summaryHB 7647 allows law enforcement to access juvenile criminal records during firearm background checks under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This affects juveniles who were processed through family court but not yet turned 21, as their sealed records can now be reviewed for gun purchases. The bill adds a specific exception to existing sealing rules (Section 14-1-64(c)), permitting this access until the individual reaches age 21. It does not change general sealing procedures for juvenile records or public access to other court documents. The policy change directly impacts firearm background checks for young adults who had prior juvenile court involvement.
Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.
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.
Provides protections to children using online platforms by requiring platforms to turn off open chats by default for young users, and requires parent to approve children's financial transactions on gaming and social media sites.
Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.
Deletes the provision permitting out of state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states. It also corrects a minor typographical error.
Requires individuals who own firearms to obtain and continuously maintain a policy of liability insurance in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 dollars and exempts active duty law enforcement and military from this requirement.
