Rep. Rebecca Kislak

Maddy summaryThis bill requests HealthSource RI to form a working group that studies how to make health insurance more affordable for Rhode Islanders in the individual market. The group will examine options to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, particularly as federal financial support is set to expire in 2025. Members of the working group will include government officials, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and consumer advocates. The group must submit its recommendations and proposed funding sources to state leaders by January 31, 2025.

Amends various provisions relative to the duties of the state building commissioner and establishes a building code education and training unit to educate building officials and inspectors statewide.

Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.

Outlines the requirements and process for LEAs to get written parental consent before conducting an evaluation, reevaluation, making an initial placement/changes in placement/the individual education program of a student in a special education program.

Prohibits hospitals and other medical providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. A violation of this chapter may be pursued on behalf of the consumer by the attorney general.

Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.

Eliminates prior authorization or step therapy requirement for prescriptions for any HIV prevention drug/prohibits the requirement of any copayment or the meeting of any deductible to obtain the prescription covered by the contract, plan, or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's long-term economic development policy to require the inclusion of climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal resiliency in state planning data. It establishes an economic development planning council with nineteen members, including representatives from the departments of environmental management and coastal resources, to create a unified strategy that balances business growth with equitable outcomes for all residents. The council is tasked with developing a strategic plan that sets long-term goals and measurable benchmarks, which must undergo public hearings and legislative review before final approval by the governor. Additionally, the act mandates that all state agencies cooperate with the council by providing necessary staff, data, and administrative support to implement the plan.

Defines 3 classes of electric bicycles, authorizes the DEM to determine allowable uses of electric bicycles at properties under the department's jurisdiction, allows Class 1 electric bicycles to legally access state bicycle trails or paths.

Repeals the authority of the health insurance commissioner to enforce any act of Congress/decision of federal court invalidating or repealing the prohibition of annual lifetime limits on health insurance in this state.