Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program and managed care organizations that it contracts with from requiring prior authorization or step therapy protocol for a prescription of a nonpreferred anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.
Maddy summaryHB 6236 proposes to amend the structure of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. It redefines the geographical boundaries of nine school bus regions, affecting pupils attending public, vocational, special education, and certain nonpublic schools. Local school committees are tasked with providing bus transportation for eligible students residing within their specific region. The bill also includes provisions for a transition period for existing transportation arrangements and addresses funding for specific educational programs, including a stabilization fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "National Skin Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. It aims to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and early detection among residents.
Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.
Directs the DHS and the department of education to work collaboratively to sustain and strengthen existing workforce development and compensation programs for educators working in licensed child care and early learning programs statewide.
Maddy summaryHB 5981, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," proposes to establish a new state funding category specifically for civics education. This bill amends an existing section of law (16-7.2-6) that outlines various categorical state-funded education expenses. If enacted, public school districts would become eligible to receive direct state funding for their civics education programs, similar to support currently provided for areas like special education and career and technical education.
Maddy summaryHB 5233, "The Rhode Island Family Caregiver Tax Credit Act," creates a state income tax credit for eligible family caregivers. The bill allows a credit of 50% of qualifying expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000, incurred for the care and support of an eligible family member. To qualify, caregivers must meet specific income thresholds and care for a family member who is elderly or disabled, resides with them, and requires assistance with daily activities. Eligible expenses include home modifications, medical equipment, and hired care services, aiming to help offset the financial burden of caregiving. This credit would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5282, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," amends how the state calculates funding for special education services provided by local school districts. The bill redefines "extraordinary costs" for individual special education students, which are expenses above a certain threshold. It gradually lowers this financial threshold over three fiscal years, starting in FY 2027, making more special education costs eligible for state reimbursement sooner. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will also collect data on various cost thresholds.
Maddy summaryHB 5779, titled the "2021 Act on Climate," proposes to increase a fee imposed on petroleum products received at marine terminals in the state. The bill would raise the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee from five cents to ten cents for each barrel of petroleum products. These collected funds, along with existing money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration, and Response Fund and the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act, would be directed towards climate change initiatives. Specifically, the funds would support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce climate emissions and meet the goals of the 2021 Act on Climate.
Maddy summaryHB 6205, titled the "Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging and Paper Act," creates a new program to manage the recycling of packaging and paper products. This bill makes product producers responsible for funding and improving municipal recycling programs. These programs would cover the collection, transportation, sorting, and processing of defined packaging and paper products from single-family and multi-family residences. The aim is to enhance the coordination, funding, and overall effectiveness of the state's recycling systems for these materials.
