Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summarySB 2517 (2026) requires all ATMs in Rhode Island to display a consumer’s real-time available account balance *before* a cash withdrawal is completed. This affects every consumer using an ATM in the state and all banks, credit unions, and ATM operators (including non-bank owners) that provide cash withdrawal services. The key mechanism mandates a clear, prominent balance display before entering withdrawal amounts, with an option to cancel without charge, and prohibits fees for balance inquiries or declined transactions. The law, effective January 1, 2027, will be enforced by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation through fines for violations.

Requires the state investment commission to create a capital access initiative to expand potential investment opportunities for the state’s pension fund and engage qualified but traditionally underrepresented investment managers.

Removes the definition of "totally and permanently disabled" from the general law affording college tuition paid by the state to the spouse and children of active members of the police force who are killed or disabled during duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state procurement rules to allow the state to purchase food and food supplies worth less than $25,000 in total under existing small purchase regulations. It directly affects state agencies responsible for procuring food items by adjusting the monetary threshold for these transactions. The key provision permits smaller aggregate purchases without requiring additional approval processes, streamlining how the state acquires food supplies. This change applies specifically to state purchases and does not alter broader procurement laws for other types of goods or services.

Restates the UTGR Master Contract and the Twin River-Tiverton Master Contract and consolidates the marketing program of each into the Consolidated Marketing Program.

Maddy summarySB 2753, the Rhode Island Veterans Home Staffing Support Act of 2026, establishes a state funding program to address staffing needs at Rhode Island Veterans Homes. The bill directly affects these state-operated facilities by providing dedicated financial support to maintain adequate staffing levels. Key provisions require the state to allocate specific funds for hiring and retaining personnel at the veterans homes. This act aims to improve operational stability and care quality at these facilities through targeted state financial assistance.

Provides that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education would direct all local education agencies to select one of the identified high-quality curricula and materials for science and technology no later than June 30, 2027.

Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its work in supporting Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. The bill highlights the organization's achievements, such as assisting over 3,500 businesses and creating more than 500 jobs through various support programs like workshops and financial guidance. It formally congratulates the chamber's leadership and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's founder, Oscar Mejias. This measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than enacting new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from engaging in specific deceptive trade practices, such as hidden payment reductions, steering patients toward affiliated pharmacies, or using patient data to gain economic control over pharmacies. It directly affects pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacists, pharmacies, and healthcare enrollees by defining and banning actions like spread pricing, unfair inducements, and restrictive refill policies for maintenance medications. The legislation also forbids PBMs from exploiting prescription data for marketing or repackaging drugs to extract price markups without informing patients. Violations of these rules are classified as unfair competition, and each individual transaction involving a prohibited act is considered a separate offense.