Makes it an unfair claims practice for insurer to designate a motor vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair motor vehicle to its pre-accident condition is less than 85% of the fair market value.
Maddy summarySB 830 adjusts vehicle registration fees for leased vehicles. It allows owners of vehicles leased for 36 months to renew registration for one additional year to match lease expiration, with fees adjusted accordingly (Section 1). The bill also updates the registration fee schedule by clarifying existing weight-based rates for cars, trucks, and trailers (Section 2), including specific fees for different gross weight categories. This directly affects lessees of vehicles under 36-month leases and the DMV’s fee collection process. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on July 2, 2025.
Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person receives a credit for the time remaining on the original registration to be applied to a future registration.
Maddy summarySB 168, the Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025, prevents insurance companies from requiring prior approval (where patients or doctors must get insurance permission before a service) for any medical service ordered by an in-network primary care provider. This means patients can receive care recommended by their primary care doctor without waiting for insurance review, directly affecting patients, primary care providers, and insurers. The key provision prohibits insurers from imposing prior authorization for these services, streamlining access to care. The bill applies to all health insurance plans operating in Rhode Island, removing a common administrative barrier for routine primary care referrals.
Amends sections of law relative to historic tax credits including increasing the maximum project credit and implementing requirements relative to following prevailing wage requirements..
Maddy summarySB 610 strengthens consumer protections for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance policies in the state. It prohibits insurers from excluding benefits for preexisting conditions after a 6-month waiting period and bans policies that duplicate Medicare coverage. The bill guarantees beneficiaries (including those under 65 with disabilities) access to Plan A policies without medical underwriting or health-based eligibility checks during specific enrollment periods. It also requires the insurance commissioner to establish standards for policy terms, premium rates, and claims practices to ensure fairness and transparency.
Maddy summarySB 238, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing or restricting materials based on the creator's identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) or viewpoint. It defines censorship narrowly, excluding only obscene material (per legal standards) or content deemed developmentally inappropriate by recognized authorities like the ALA. The law requires libraries to adopt policies ensuring challenged materials remain available during review, establish formal reconsideration processes with 30-day timelines, and mandate written justifications for removals. These rules apply directly to public library boards, school committees, and librarians managing collections across the state.
Establishes that a renewable energy resource shall pay $5.00 per kilowatt of alternating current nameplate capacity for tangible property and $3.50 per kilowatt of alternating nameplate capacity for real property.
Changes the process by which a dispute between the insured and their insurance company, concerning property damages and requires that the umpire appraisers shall be disinterested and the cost shared equally.
Amends the definition of the practice of pharmacy to include the administration of all forms of influenza immunizations including COVID-19 to individuals over the age of 3 years pursuant to a valid prescription or prescriber approved protocol.
