Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Maddy summarySB 288 limits re-election for key state executive positions by prohibiting any person from being elected to the same general office (governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, or treasurer) more than twice. It also restricts individuals who served over two years of another person's term to only one additional election to that office. The bill further states that someone ineligible to run for governor cannot be elected lieutenant governor. These changes would apply immediately upon the bill's passage, affecting how state officers serve and seek re-election.

Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Maddy summarySB 704 requires Rhode Island nursing homes to publicly disclose detailed financial information starting July 1, 2025. Owners and managers with 5% or more ownership or financial influence must submit balance sheets, income statements, cash flow reports, and proof that services provided were at fair market value. This includes all assets, liabilities, expenses, and details on goods/services supplied to the facility. The public will access this data while protecting individual owner privacy, aiming to increase transparency in nursing home finances.

Supports the role of independent family council and makes the waiting list transparent by requiring nursing facilities with more than thirty percent (30%) self-pay residents to admit applicants on a first-come-first-served basis for non-private rooms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 881) formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state, highlighting their roles in mental health, substance use treatment, advocacy for marginalized communities, and addressing crises like homelessness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter (NASW-RI). It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of social workers' impact on Rhode Island communities.

Establishes a process whereby large drug manufacturers, may be penalized for prescription drug price increases where there is no, or inadequate, new evidence to support the price increase.

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.

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.

Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.