Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.
Maddy summaryHB 5857 creates the "Reproductive Freedom and Gender-Affirming Care Health Data Privacy Act" to protect sensitive health information for Rhode Island residents. The bill specifically defines "consumer health data" to include information related to reproductive or sexual health and gender-affirming care. It requires explicit, informed consent from consumers before regulated entities or small businesses can collect, process, or transfer this protected health data. The act also clarifies what constitutes valid consent, prohibiting practices like deceptive designs or inferring consent from inaction.
Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, would be punishable as a felony.
Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the rules for retired members of the state retirement system regarding post-retirement employment. It specifically allows any retired member of the system to serve as a member of the Rhode Island state labor relations board. Under this change, these individuals can hold the position and continue to receive their retirement allowance without forfeiture or reduction. No additional service credits will be granted for this service.
Increases the maximum amount of the Kingston water district bonding authority from four million dollars ($4,000,000) to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).
Maddy summaryHB 5030 authorizes the town council of South Kingstown to establish a homestead exemption for local property taxes. This exemption would apply to residential or mixed-use properties and could reduce their assessed value by up to ten percent. For mixed-use properties, the exemption would be prorated based on the percentage of residential square footage. The town council would be responsible for setting eligibility rules for the exemption, which takes effect on December 31, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 6034 blocks new applications for "network charter schools" (multiple schools operated under a single management structure) and prevents expansions of existing charter schools that would create such networks. The bill does not affect individual charter schools or the existing 35-school cap, but specifically halts the creation of new multi-school networks. It directly impacts organizations seeking to launch or expand networked charter systems, including potential applicants and existing charter operators considering growth. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and preserves existing charters while restricting new network formations.
Maddy summaryHB 5499 strengthens Rhode Island's Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) rules to improve access for eligible residents. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging more based on health status (including preexisting conditions) for applicants under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease, and guarantees issue rights for Plan A during annual enrollment. The bill also requires the state insurance commissioner to set standards for policy terms, premiums, and claims handling, while banning medical underwriting for certain applicants. These changes directly affect Rhode Island Medicare beneficiaries (ages 65+ or under 65 with qualifying disabilities) and insurers selling Medigap policies in the state. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.
