Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Imposes a seventy-five cent (0.75) surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies as well as an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $118,422 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) to support its Dual Ombudsman program, which assists approximately 40,000 Rhode Islanders who receive both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The program helps these individuals navigate complex healthcare enrollment rules, resolve claim denials, access care, and understand changes in their coverage options. The funding would match federal Medicaid dollars to maintain the program's current capacity for the 2027 fiscal year, preventing its termination as proposed in the state budget. This support is particularly important during a major transition in Rhode Island's managed care system for dual-eligible enrollees, when fewer trusted resources are available to help them navigate their healthcare options.

Increases continuing education requirements for physician assistants, removes restrictions of PAs to render charitable care and aid for school and youth programs or cardiac arrest and removes restrictive covenants as to ownership by a PA.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 172nd anniversary of the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan, highlighting the long-standing diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship between Rhode Island and Japan. The bill designates March 31 as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island to honor the treaty signing date and recognizes various institutions and events that promote U.S.-Japan cooperation. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state and federal officials, as well as the Consul General of Japan, to formally acknowledge the partnership.

Regulates property insurers to limit underwriting and investment in fossil fuel projects, requires climate risk reporting and emissions disclosures, and aligns insurance practices with science-based climate targets.

Mandates that all restaurants offering children's meals offer at least two (2) children's meals that complies with certain detailed nutritional standards set forth in the act.

Maddy summarySB 2286 requires all motorcycle operators in Rhode Island to wear a helmet of an approved type, regardless of age. This directly affects every motorcycle, motor scooter, and motor-driven cycle rider on public roads. The bill removes previous age exemptions for helmet use and adds a one-year helmet requirement for new riders during their first year of licensing. Violations carry fines that fund highway safety education programs promoting helmet use. The law takes effect upon passage.

Provides for fair pharmacy reimbursement from a pharmacy benefit manager, and also provides anti-discrimination prohibitions in regard to non-affiliated pharmacies or pharmacists.

Requires inspection and evaluation of indoor air quality in public schools, departments of health shall establish and recommend thresholds and rates for environmental conditions.

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.