Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.
Maddy summaryHB 7841 requires veterinarians to discuss treatment options with pet owners when prescribing and dispensing drugs for an animal's annual veterinary care. This applies specifically to routine prescriptions during standard annual check-ups, not one-time treatments. The bill directly affects veterinarians who dispense medications and the pet owners receiving those prescriptions. It creates a new requirement for veterinarians to provide this consultation as part of the prescription process, aiming to improve communication about medication use. (Note: The bill is currently under review by the House Corporations committee as of March 2026.)
Establishes a statewide “Healthy School Meals for all” universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years.
Maddy summaryHB 7688 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning by June 2028 to centralize and improve the state’s child care system. It directly affects families with young children (by reducing costs to under 7% of income), child care providers (through annual funding to cover costs beyond family fees), and early educators (by requiring wage supplements to match K-12 standards). Key provisions include consolidating child care administration from other agencies, funding providers to expand affordability and quality, and developing a statewide system offering free pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds alongside accessible care for children from birth to age 12. The bill aims to address current market failures by treating child care as a public good, similar to K-12 education.
Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.
Maddy summaryHB 7353 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments to collect detailed data during traffic stops (including officer-perceived race/ethnicity, stop reasons, and outcomes) and submit it monthly to the Department of Transportation's Office of Highway Safety. It mandates an annual external study analyzing this data for racial disparities in traffic stops and searches, to be conducted by a qualified independent agency chosen by the Office of Highway Safety. The study's findings, along with quarterly public summary reports showing racial and demographic breakdowns of stops, must be released annually. This directly affects all Rhode Island municipal police departments and the state police, requiring them to implement new data collection and reporting procedures. The law aims to provide transparent, data-driven insights into policing practices without speculating on outcomes.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War (1778-1783). It specifically recognizes their contributions, including their role in the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth where they repelled British forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to historical organizations, the Governor, congressional delegation, and relevant groups to promote awareness of this history. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but aims to increase public recognition of Black soldiers' role in the American Revolution.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It formally recognizes February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages all residents to support oral health education and preventive care for children, citing the importance of early dental visits and addressing barriers to access. It has no new requirements or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Dental Association.
Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.
