Provides that an agreement resolving a patent infringement claim, in connection with the sale of a pharmaceutical product, is to be presumed to have anticompetitive effects if a nonreference drug filer receives anything of value.
Maddy summaryHB 5646 adds individuals aged 70 or older to the list of people eligible to request exemption from jury service in Rhode Island. It directly affects residents of Rhode Island who are 70 years or older and receive a jury summons. The bill amends existing law to allow these individuals to formally decline jury duty by claiming the exemption, rather than being automatically exempt. This change applies to all Rhode Island courts and civil procedures involving jury selection.
Maddy summaryHB 5860 would prohibit Rhode Island state entities, health insurance plans, and participating ERISA plans from purchasing prescription drugs above a federally set "maximum fair price" (based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rates). The law requires these entities to use any savings from this price cap to directly reduce costs for consumers, with a focus on addressing health equity disparities. Annual reports detailing savings and how they were used to lower consumer costs must be submitted to the state insurance commissioner. This bill affects all state-funded health programs, private health insurers, and employer-sponsored health plans that choose to participate.
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 summaryHB 5980 amends state education funding to cover transportation costs for homeless students attending out-of-district public schools. It directly affects school districts that transport homeless students to non-public schools outside their district boundaries. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream to reimburse districts for these specific transportation expenses, with funds prorated if demand exceeds available funding. This provision aims to reduce financial burdens on districts serving homeless students while ensuring equitable access to education.
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 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.
Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.
Maddy summaryThis is a House resolution (not a law) requesting the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to conduct a waste audit of the State House, develop waste reduction recommendations, and report by January 5, 2026. It also directs the Joint Committee on Legislative Services and the Division of Capital Asset Management to investigate installing water filling stations and electric car chargers in the State House parking lots to reduce plastic bottle use and support climate goals. The resolution formally asks these agencies to report their findings back to the House by the same deadline. As a procedural request, it does not create new laws but seeks specific actions for state building operations.
