Rep. Michelle McGaw

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 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).

Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2026.

Establishes a new chapter for privacy protections for location information derived from electronic devices. DBR would be responsible for promulgating rules and regulations to implement administer and enforce this chapter.

Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.

Maddy summaryHB 5712 establishes fusion voting in Rhode Island, allowing candidates to run under multiple political parties for the same office. It directly affects candidates, political parties, and voters by enabling a single candidate to appear on the ballot under multiple party lines. Key provisions require candidates to formally accept all nominations in writing within 10 days, mandate ballots to display the candidate under each nominating party, and combine all votes for that candidate across party lines into a single total while preventing duplicate voting. The bill also requires ballot design and voting equipment to clearly support this process, including voter instructions and accessibility compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 5902 prohibits property owners from including restrictions that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on land designated for selling fresh food for off-premises consumption. It allows exceptions only if a closed store relocates within one-half mile within one year, maintains similar product offerings, and meets specific timing requirements. Existing agreements made before the law's effective date remain valid. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to new property agreements.