Rep. Teresa Tanzi

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Frank J. Almonte, a Cranston-based contractor and business owner. The resolution acknowledges his contributions to his family and community, noting his career with Almonte Designs and his dedication to his wife, children, and extended family. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Almonte's immediate family members. This measure serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that recognizes and commends Providence Promise, a nonprofit organization in Rhode Island, for its work helping families save for college. The resolution highlights the organization's key activities, which include opening 529 college savings accounts for students, providing $100 seed deposits, and offering incentives for educational achievements. It also notes the group's efforts in financial literacy education, college readiness programs, and family engagement services aimed at supporting underserved communities. The resolution expresses appreciation for the organization's leadership and staff, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Providence Promise.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of James M. Donelan, a former Rhode Island State Senator and attorney from Warwick. It formally acknowledges his public service career, including his 14 years in the state Senate where he sponsored the Good Driving Statute, and honors his personal life and family. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Donelan's family, serving as an official gesture of respect rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution commends the Society for Advancement of Management and the New England Institute of Technology for hosting the 2026 81st Annual International Business Conference in Rhode Island. It specifically recognizes Shelby Perry, a conference chair, for her leadership in organizing the event. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to the organization, the hosting institution, and Shelby Perry. This is a ceremonial measure that acknowledges the conference's expected contribution to the state's academic and professional reputation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as "Music in Our Schools Month" in Rhode Island to recognize the importance of music education in public schools. The resolution acknowledges the benefits of music programs for student engagement, creativity, and academic outcomes, particularly for at-risk students. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Music Education Association to formally support music educators in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7518, the Rhode Island Kratom Act, regulates the sale of kratom products by requiring retailers to store all such products behind the sales counter in a locked case until purchased. It prohibits sales to anyone under 21 years old and mandates that buyers show valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) to verify age. The law applies directly to businesses selling kratom products in Rhode Island and takes effect on April 1, 2026. These provisions aim to restrict access to kratom products while ensuring age verification at point-of-sale.

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 7943 prohibits health insurers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services, directly affecting insured patients seeking these treatments within their plan's network. The bill mandates that coverage for mental health and substance use disorders must meet the same terms as medical care, eliminating annual/lifetime dollar limits and ensuring cost-sharing parity with primary care visits. Key provisions include banning non-quantitative treatment restrictions that are stricter than those for medical conditions and requiring insurers to use American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria for substance use disorder coverage. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies specifically to in-network services as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 7944 requires health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment under the same terms as medical care. It prohibits annual or lifetime dollar limits on such coverage and mandates that financial requirements (like copays) and treatment restrictions must not be more stringent than those for physical health conditions. The bill specifies coverage categories (e.g., inpatient, outpatient), mandates medication-assisted treatments for substance use disorders (like methadone), and ensures cost-sharing for behavioral health visits matches primary care standards, directly affecting all health insurance plans and their policyholders.

Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.