Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.
Adds to the powers and duties of the OHIC the undertaking of analyses, reports, studies, and recommendations with respect to reimbursement and financing for the provision of primary care services to Rhode Islanders.
Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program pursuant to § 14-1-6 to children in the juvenile justice system and children who attain reunification prior to their eighteenth (18th) birthday, however, the reunification is not successful.
Includes the definition of "primary care services" and requires that all biennial reports shall include a review and recommendation of rates for primary care services on and after September 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5345 extends foster care support for youth aging out of state custody until age 21, primarily affecting young adults who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. The bill requires courts to develop transition plans at least six months before age 18, covering housing, health insurance, education, and employment support. Youth may voluntarily extend care until 21 if they are in school, training, employed (80+ hours monthly), or have documented medical needs preventing these activities. It also allows courts to retain jurisdiction for pandemic-impacted youth under federal funding requirements and for those with serious emotional or developmental needs. The law aims to provide stability during critical transition years while maintaining court oversight.
Amends powers/duties of the office of the health insurance commissioner to increase total cost of care for services reimbursed under contracts after risk adjustment that exceeds the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers percentage increase.
Maddy summaryHB 5256 requires health insurance policies to pay nurse practitioners and physician assistants the same amount as physicians for covered primary care and mental health services they provide within their licensed scope. This applies when these providers work independently (billing directly as their own practice) rather than in certain group practices like federally qualified HMOs. Insurers cannot reduce payments to physicians to comply with this requirement. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 6141) congratulating students and schools that won Rhode Island's 2025 ProStart® High School Competition. It specifically honors William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School (Culinary and Foodservice teams) and Chariho Area Career & Technical Center (Hospitality & Tourism team) for advancing to the national competition. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the winning schools. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform unless the minor has the express consent of a parent or guardian.
