Rescinds any prior applications to the United States Congress from the Rhode Island General Assembly to call for a convention to amend the United States Constitution.
Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2012, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2012, cutoff date.
Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.
Provides for the right to strike for public sector workers in Rhode Island, including teachers, with exceptions for police officers, firefighters, 911 employees, and correctional officers.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that expresses condolences and honors the life of Raymond A. Choiniere, who passed away on April 8, 2026. It recognizes his contributions as an athlete, educator, community volunteer, and public servant, including his time as a policy analyst in the Rhode Island Speaker of the House office. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Choiniere family.
Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for the passing of Sylvia A. DeLuca, a resident of Saunderstown, Rhode Island. The document honors her life by highlighting her roles as a devoted wife, dedicated employee, and supportive family member, noting her career as an administrative assistant at the University of Rhode Island and her personal passions for art and cooking. The resolution formally extends the House's sympathy to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to them.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the disease and support those affected. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public understanding of Parkinson's symptoms and the need for research. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the proclamation to the American Parkinson Disease Association's Rhode Island chapter.
Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.
Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.
Maddy summaryHB 8401 strengthens the oversight of medical malpractice insurance for hospitals affiliated with accredited medical schools in Rhode Island. The bill requires these hospitals to obtain prior approval from the Department of Business Regulation before establishing or maintaining any self-insurance program for malpractice liability. To qualify, hospitals must demonstrate financial solvency, adequate reserves, and the ability to pay claims, with the department retaining the power to audit, examine, and revoke approval if standards are not met. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all forms of medical malpractice coverage, including self-insurance and captive arrangements, meet specific state-set limits and undergo annual renewal. Finally, the bill requires these entities to report claims, settlements, and judgments to relevant medical licensing boards within 30 days.
