Rep. Megan Cotter

Maddy summaryHB 5620 regulates prescription drug price increases in Rhode Island by imposing penalties on manufacturers who raise prices without supporting medical evidence. It targets drugs identified as having "unsupported price increases" through the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) annual report. Manufacturers with over $250,000 in annual sales within the state face a penalty equal to 80% of the revenue difference between actual sales and what would have been earned at the previous year’s wholesale cost (adjusted for inflation). This law directly affects pharmaceutical companies selling prescription drugs in Rhode Island and aims to curb unjustified price hikes.

Maddy summaryHB 5254 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacists for prescription drugs at a minimum of the national average cost pharmacies pay to acquire drugs plus a dispensing fee equal to Rhode Island's current Medicaid rate for such services. If the national average cost is unavailable, PBMs must pay the wholesale acquisition cost plus the same dispensing fee. This bill directly affects PBMs and pharmacies in Rhode Island by establishing clear reimbursement standards and mandating transparency in financial arrangements. It also authorizes the Health Insurance Commissioner to impose fines of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance, aiming to ensure fair compensation and competitive practices.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology, but does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on residents. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition of colorectal cancer prevention efforts, referencing statistics about the disease's impact in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's House of Representatives has passed HR 6023, a symbolic resolution proclaiming March 2025 as "Women's History Month" within the state. This resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific groups; it is a formal recognition of women's historical contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to President Trump, Governor McKee, and Rhode Island's Congressional delegation. It aligns with the National Women's History Alliance's 2025 theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," but does not implement any policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5672 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights between siblings who have been separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. The law mandates courts to approve such visits if they serve the child's best interests, there is a significant emotional bond between siblings, and involved parties (including birth parents) have negotiated an agreement or the court establishes one. It also requires adoptive/foster parents, guardians, and child welfare agencies to cooperate in facilitating contact, while allowing children aged 12 or older to express their views in court. The bill prohibits monetary damages in disputes over these arrangements and requires court approval for any modifications to visitation agreements.

Bans preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.

Maddy summaryHB 5626 requires most health insurance plans in the state to cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and related services without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects individuals with health insurance plans by mandating coverage for specific methods - including emergency contraception, long-acting prescriptions (up to 12 months), sterilization, counseling, and follow-up care - while excluding male condoms and oral contraceptives without therapeutic equivalents. Insurers must cover at least one FDA-approved option per method category without cost-sharing, though they may offer multiple options with cost-sharing if one remains free. The law excludes experimental treatments and Medicare supplemental plans, and ensures coverage applies equally to spouses and dependents.

Establishes a searchable database of healthcare professionals' complaint histories, accessible to employers. License holders can review and dispute inaccuracies, while maintaining current criminal background check requirements.

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.