Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.
Permits healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients remotely with store-and-forward technology when provision of services in such manner is consistent with the standard of care.
Maddy summaryHB 7273 requires the state to join and implement the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by July 1, 2026. This allows out-of-state doctors to more easily provide telemedicine services to patients within the state, expanding access to remote healthcare. The bill specifically enables patients to receive telemedicine care from licensed providers in other states through the compact. It also directs health agencies to create necessary rules for this process, directly affecting healthcare providers seeking multi-state practice and patients seeking remote medical care.
Maddy summaryHB 7274 allows physician assistants (PAs) to practice without needing a physician's direct supervision and permits them to receive Medicaid payments directly for services provided. The bill amends licensing rules to remove the requirement for written agreements with supervising physicians and clarifies that PAs can provide medical services within their scope without physician oversight. It also adds a new provision requiring Medicaid to pay PAs directly, rather than through a physician's billing, for services rendered. This affects PAs by expanding their practice autonomy and Medicaid patients by potentially increasing access to care from PAs. The changes take effect upon passage.
Repeals the certificate of need process statutes which are used by the department of health to determine the need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.
Maddy summaryHB 7399 removes pet care services (like grooming or boarding) from the list of taxable services under the state's sales tax code. This change means pet care businesses will no longer have to collect sales tax on these services, directly affecting them and their customers. The bill specifically repeals the tax classification for pet care services as defined in sections 44-18-7(19) and 44-18-7.3(b)(3) of the tax code. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on January 28, 2026.
Maddy summaryHR 7257 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit annual state budget growth in Rhode Island. The bill would require that total state spending increases each year not exceed the higher of either the previous year's inflation rate (using the Consumer Price Index) or the growth rate of Rhode Island personal income. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergencies approved by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. If approved by voters, this amendment would directly affect how the state government sets annual budgets.
Maddy summaryHB 7251 limits annual state spending growth to the higher of Rhode Island's inflation rate or personal income growth rate, whichever is greater. This directly affects the state budget process by capping how much total state spending can increase each year from the previous year's level. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergency expenditures approved by a two-thirds vote. The bill requires annual reporting on spending growth versus the limit and mandates the governor to create a reduction plan if the legislature exceeds the cap. It takes effect upon passage.
Limits the authority of the Rhode Island commerce corporation to finance any transaction to five million dollars ($5,000,000) for any one individual, business entity or project.
Maddy summaryHR 7524 is a Rhode Island House resolution urging Governor Daniel McKee to support regional efforts to expand natural gas pipeline capacity into New England. It addresses Rhode Island's heavy reliance on natural gas for electricity (87% of in-state generation) and high energy costs, noting current pipeline capacity limits force reliance on costlier, higher-emission fuels during winter peaks, contributing to residential electricity rates double the national average (32.3¢/kWh vs. 16.4¢/kWh). The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the governor join Northeast governors in advocating for pipeline infrastructure to stabilize energy prices and reduce supply risks. This directly affects Rhode Island residents and ratepayers facing elevated energy costs due to current infrastructure constraints.
