Maddy summarySB 2563 mandates an independent study by Rhode Island's auditor general to evaluate whether consolidating Medicaid prescription drug management would save costs and improve transparency. The study must compare four models used by other states, including single statewide drug lists (like Connecticut) or direct state contracting (like Kentucky), and assess impacts on state spending, pharmacy rebates, and beneficiary access. It requires full data access from pharmacy benefit managers and related entities - bypassing contractual confidentiality - to ensure the analysis uses complete information on drug expenditures and rebates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island's Medicaid program, which covers children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, by setting the stage for potential future changes to drug management.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill would cancel and nullify all previous applications by the Rhode Island General Assembly to call a federal constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It applies to any past applications, whether for limited or general conventions, regardless of when they were adopted or how they are recorded. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to federal and state officials within 30 days of passage. If passed, this action would remove Rhode Island's prior requests from the official record of state applications for a constitutional convention.
Maddy summarySB 2448 creates a dedicated performance audit division within Rhode Island's Office of the Auditor General (OAG). This division will evaluate how efficiently and effectively state agencies and contractors using public funds operate, focusing on program outcomes rather than financial transactions. The bill requires the OAG to hire at least five full-time staff for this work, develop annual audit plans prioritizing high-impact areas like Medicaid and IT systems, and publish public reports starting in 2027. State agencies must then submit corrective action plans within 60 days of receiving audit findings, with the OAG monitoring compliance and reporting to lawmakers.
Maddy summarySB 2449 proposes to exempt energy storage systems from sales and use taxes in the state, as defined in § 39-33-1. This change would directly affect businesses selling these systems, as they would no longer collect sales tax on such transactions. The bill amends existing tax law by adding a new exemption category under "Gross receipts exempt from sales and use taxes." The exemption covers the sale and use of energy storage systems within the state, aligning with existing tax exemptions for items like newspapers and school meals. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
Creates an intervenor compensation program to provide compensation in the form of grants for legal fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs to an intervenor in both, energy siting board and public utilities commission proceedings.
Maddy summarySB 2694 prevents state fees for home modifications required to accommodate a veteran's disability, directly benefiting disabled veterans needing accessibility changes. The bill amends the state building code to prohibit local governments or agencies from charging fees for these specific modifications, such as installing ramps or grab bars. It applies to modifications mandated by a veteran's disability, ensuring no additional costs for essential accessibility improvements. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee, with no further action taken yet.
Permits the family court to retain jurisdiction over juveniles and allow the family court to order juveniles detained in the training school until the age of twenty-one if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child.
Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2028-2029, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.
Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.
Provides that a school district could elect and choose to not spend money on any mandate that is not fully funded through the state education aid formula.