Requires the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways
Maddy summaryHB 7086 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state music. This ceremonial bill does not impose any new regulations, taxes, or obligations on residents or businesses - it solely establishes a symbolic recognition of the genre. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, adding this designation to the state's official emblems. It affects no individuals or entities directly, as it is purely a cultural and symbolic measure.
Authorizes the DEM, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement, to enforce the prohibition on the intentional simultaneous release of ten or more balloons.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7015) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 8, 2026. It formally expresses condolences to the family of Lawrence Ferguson, a former Rhode Island State Representative (1985-2000) and longtime educator. The resolution sends condolences specifically to his wife Francine Ferguson and their children Alyssa, Colin, and Jonathan Ferguson. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents, serving only as a symbolic tribute to his life and service.
Adds the property of the Pokanoket Management Group, Trustee of the Pokanoket Tribe Land Trust, to the list of property designated for appropriations in lieu of municipal property tax, would concurrently exempt such property from municipal property tax.
Includes the COVID-19 immunization under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations to individuals between nine (9) and eighteen (18) years of age.
Maddy summaryHB 5494 adds consumer protections to Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies in the state. It prohibits policies from duplicating Medicare benefits and bans exclusions for preexisting conditions after six months of coverage, defining preexisting conditions as those requiring medical advice within six months before coverage begins. The bill guarantees issue rights for applicants under 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (without medical underwriting) and requires annual guaranteed issue for all Medicare Part A/B enrollees during a one-month enrollment period. The commissioner must establish regulations for policy standards, premium rates, and loss ratios to align with federal requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 5120, the "Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025," prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization for services ordered by in-network primary care providers. This directly affects patients receiving care from in-network primary care physicians and the providers themselves, as insurers can no longer block these services through extra approval steps. The key provision mandates that insurers must approve such services without imposing prior authorization requirements, streamlining access to care. The bill aims to reduce administrative delays for routine treatments recommended by primary care providers within an insurer's network.
Maddy summaryHB 5098 creates a new vehicle registration category for "forestry vehicles" used in forest product operations. It requires these vehicles (like logging trucks or equipment used for harvesting, processing, or delivering wood products on public roads) to get special farm plates marked with a forestry symbol, instead of standard registration. The bill applies only to forestry businesses with annual revenue under $2.5 million, excluding commercial hauling services like sand/gravel transport. This change simplifies registration for small forestry operations conducting their own forest product activities.
Maddy summaryHB 6244 prohibits licensed healthcare facilities in this state from asking patients about their immigration status or requiring proof of legal presence. This applies to all patients receiving care at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities covered under healthcare licensing laws. The bill amends existing patient rights standards to explicitly add that facilities cannot inquire about immigration status (new section 19), ensuring equal access to care regardless of immigration status. It took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on July 1, 2025.
