Sen. Dawn Euer

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Health to use up to $850,000 from specific immunization funds in fiscal year 2025 to support information lines and referral services for childhood and adult immunizations. The legislation requires the department to submit a report by March 1, 2025, detailing how these funds were used and offering recommendations for future support. While the bill also establishes separate accounts for pandemic medications and adult immunizations, its primary immediate action is the allocation of existing resources to maintain communication channels for healthcare providers and residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to advise state officials on improving care quality and addressing wage disparities in nursing homes. The board would consist of thirteen members representing employers, workers, community organizations, and government agencies, who would meet to recommend minimum statewide standards for compensation, working conditions, and worker training. While the legislation outlines a process for developing these standards and sharing operational data, it does not mandate specific wage levels or enforce regulations directly. The bill was passed by the state legislature but was vetoed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 2820 updates the state's list of controlled substances by replacing the existing statutory schedules with the current version of the federal Code of Federal Regulations. This change ensures that the state's controlled substance lists automatically align with federal designations, allowing the Department of Health to add, reschedule, or remove substances based on federal actions within a 60-day window. The bill also clarifies the criteria the health director must consider when evaluating potential abuses and establishes specific registration requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and practitioners. By linking state law directly to federal regulations, the legislation streamlines the process for maintaining up-to-date controls over drugs and their precursors.

Allows the attorney general to investigate and bring an enforcement action against persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting, or transaction of business or governmental activity.

Amends definition of "authorized representative" in the confidentiality of health-care communications/information act provides that an authorized representative may include any heir-at-law when the patient is deceased/the personal representative is absent

Enacts the Comprehensive PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.

Authorizes Newport to issue not more than $98,500,000 general obligation bonds and notes to finance all costs relating to the design, construction, repair, rehabilitation, replacement and improvement of infrastructure and municipal facilities

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new framework in Rhode Island to promote the adoption and integration of energy storage systems into the electric grid. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to create specific tariffs and interconnection rules by May 2025 that recognize the unique value of storing energy for later use. Additionally, the legislation mandates periodic assessments every three years to determine if storage projects can provide net benefits to ratepayers, with larger utility companies required to conduct competitive procurements if such needs are identified. By defining energy storage technologies and setting clear timelines for regulatory action, the bill aims to lower costs and improve grid reliability without replacing existing infrastructure.

Creates a 13-member joint commission to study the transportation needs of students and recommend what changes are necessary, and who would report back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, and expire on May 27, 2025.

Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.