Rep. Rebecca Kislak

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2027, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes April 2026 as "Out-of-School Time Month" in Rhode Island to honor the value of after-school and summer programs for children. The resolution aims to raise awareness about how these programs support youth development, mental health, and academic success while acknowledging the hard work of the professionals who run them. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the importance of these services for the state's youth. The Secretary of State is instructed to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association.

Maddy summaryHB 8161 establishes the Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Act, aiming to improve access to higher education for students with disabilities. The bill's specific mechanisms and direct beneficiaries (e.g., which disability types or educational institutions) are not detailed in the provided abstract or recent actions. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance committee, but no further provisions or implementation details are included in the available context. This summary reflects the limited information provided, as the abstract does not describe concrete policy changes.

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Permits a nurse who has the appropriate knowledge, credentials and clinical competency, to provide home services foot care, which includes routine foot and nail care, as well as implementing a plan of care that includes hygiene and fingernails.

Maddy summaryHB 7244 requires the state to pay 50% of relocation costs for private utility companies (like electricity or gas providers) when highway projects necessitate moving their facilities. For public entities (such as cities, counties, or state agencies), the state covers 100% of these relocation costs. The bill applies specifically to highway projects on federal aid systems (like interstate highways) where the state receives federal funding. This change ensures that both private and public utility owners are compensated for relocation expenses tied to state highway construction, with no reimbursement for improvements ("betterment").

Requires the state investment commission to create a capital access initiative to expand potential investment opportunities for the state’s pension fund and engage qualified but traditionally underrepresented investment managers.