Rep. June Speakman

Mandates state and electric distribution companies develop proposals and encourage off shore wind power development and give priority in those projects to providing employment and business opportunities to workers from disadvantaged communities.

Prohibits health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for a new episode of rehabilitative care for twelve visits, or from requiring prior authorization for rehabilitative care for chronic pain for ninety days.

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 5072 allows individuals with 2-5 misdemeanor convictions (but no felony convictions) to have those offenses expunged from their criminal records after completing their sentences for 10 years. The bill modifies existing expungement rules to create a new pathway specifically for people with multiple misdemeanors who lack felony convictions, requiring payment of all court fees and fines before eligibility. It does not apply to offenses under specific sections of the law or to individuals convicted of violent crimes. This change directly affects people with non-violent misdemeanor histories seeking to clear their records for employment or housing opportunities. The bill takes effect upon passage and is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 6085 amends net metering rules to allow ground-mounted solar systems on "preferred sites" within core forests to bypass existing size limits. Specifically, it exempts these systems from the 275 MWac cap that applies to most ground-mounted installations, while maintaining a 100,000 square foot limit on forest removal for such projects. The bill directly affects renewable energy developers seeking to build solar facilities in designated forest areas, removing a key barrier to development on preferred sites. Systems on preferred sites must still meet interconnection requirements but are no longer counted toward the overall capacity cap, streamlining development in these locations.

Maddy summaryHB 5345 extends foster care support for youth aging out of state custody until age 21, primarily affecting young adults who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. The bill requires courts to develop transition plans at least six months before age 18, covering housing, health insurance, education, and employment support. Youth may voluntarily extend care until 21 if they are in school, training, employed (80+ hours monthly), or have documented medical needs preventing these activities. It also allows courts to retain jurisdiction for pandemic-impacted youth under federal funding requirements and for those with serious emotional or developmental needs. The law aims to provide stability during critical transition years while maintaining court oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 5172 requires health insurers in Rhode Island to be transparent and accountable when using artificial intelligence to manage coverage and claims. It mandates insurers to publicly disclose their AI algorithms and data, maintain records for five years, and notify enrollees when AI is used in coverage denials or reductions. Insurers must involve licensed healthcare professionals - not just AI - to review adverse decisions on medically necessary care and continuously monitor for discrimination or privacy violations. This law directly affects all Rhode Island health insurers and their enrollees by creating enforceable standards for AI use in claims management.

Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution declares March 27, 2025, as "Good Food Policy Day" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) and specific council members for their work promoting local food systems, affordable nutrition, and food business support. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it is purely a symbolic acknowledgment by the state legislature. It does not create new laws or obligations for residents, businesses, or government agencies.

Creates the Rhode Island Social Media Regulation act, which would not permit a Rhode Island resident who is a minor to be an account holder on a social media's platform unless the minor has the express consent of a parent or guardian.