Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.
Maddy summarySB 751 amends existing law to explicitly include COVID-19 in the definition of "infectious disease" for first responders. This change ensures that firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are exposed to COVID-19 while on duty can access the same occupational disability benefits as for other covered diseases like HIV or hepatitis. The bill updates definitions in the law (specifically in sections 23-28.36-1, 23-28.36-2, and 23-28.36-4) to clarify that exposure to COVID-19 qualifies for notification and disability benefits under the existing framework. It does not create new procedures but ensures current protections apply to COVID-19 cases.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 880) passed by the Rhode Island Senate to mark March 25, 2025, as the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. It symbolically celebrates Greece's historical struggle for democracy and the longstanding US-Greece alliance, referencing shared values like freedom and religious tolerance. The resolution urges Turkey to respect religious freedoms and commends Rhode Island's Greek-American community for its cultural contributions. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a ceremonial gesture by the state Senate.
Maddy summarySB 842 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees (fees between banks for card transactions) on the tax or gratuity portion of a customer's payment. It directly affects merchants who process credit/debit card payments, requiring them to report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction authorization or settlement to avoid these fees. If merchants don’t report upfront, they can submit documentation within 180 days to receive refunds for improperly charged fees. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction and require fee refunds to merchants. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.
Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.
Maddy summarySB 222 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacists at least the national average drug acquisition cost (based on federal CMS data) plus a standard dispensing fee, or the wholesale acquisition cost plus the fee if national data isn't available. This directly affects community pharmacies and PBMs, ensuring they receive fair payment for dispensing medications. The bill mandates PBMs to disclose financial arrangements to regulators and allows the Health Insurance Commissioner to impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. It aims to prevent PBMs from underpaying pharmacies, promoting fair competition in drug pricing.
Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Maddy summarySB 648 requires veterinarians to provide a consultation to pet owners whenever they prescribe or dispense medication for an animal patient during an outpatient visit. The consultation must cover the drug's name, dosage, administration instructions, storage, actions for missed doses, and serious side effects, including manufacturer warnings when available. Veterinarians may delegate this task to vet technicians or assistants and must document whether the consultation was offered or declined in the animal's medical record. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects veterinarians and their clients by standardizing medication communication.
Grants an affirmative defense for certain privileged communications, including communications made by an individual, without malice, regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.
