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.
Prohibits prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the prescription of a nonpreferred medication on their drug formulary used to assess or treat an enrollee's bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizotypal.
Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.
Maddy summarySB 1148 allows municipalities to enforce noise limits for motor vehicles and seize sound-producing devices (like radios or speakers) used in violations. It applies to drivers using excessive audio systems, excluding police, ambulances, and fire engines. Municipalities must hold a hearing within 14 days of seizure, return devices after fines are paid, and may charge violators for impoundment costs. The bill requires local rules to cover these procedures and permits vehicle impoundment for up to five days if devices cannot be removed on-site.
Maddy summaryThis bill protects state-authorized college savings accounts (529 plans) by exempting them from being seized by creditors through court-ordered attachments. It adds these accounts to the list of property already protected under state law, ensuring funds saved for education remain secure. The exemption applies to all 529 plans regardless of state, but does not cover funds subject to divorce or child support court orders. This change directly affects families using 529 programs, safeguarding their college savings during financial hardship.
Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program or the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship program to be reimbursed to the onward we learn for any scholarships paid on behalf of Rhode Island College students.
Maddy summarySB 845 creates a voluntary tax deduction option on Rhode Island state income tax returns, allowing taxpayers to direct a portion of their refund to the Rhode Island Meals on Wheels Inc. Fund starting with tax year 2025. Taxpayers can choose to contribute by checking a box on their return, with contributions collected annually and deposited into the fund. The fund, managed by the state treasurer, will provide financial support exclusively for eligible individuals and families served by Meals on Wheels programs. This change does not alter tax rates or require contributions - it simply offers a new, optional way for residents to support meal delivery services for vulnerable community members.
Relieves East Providence from providing any educational/financial resources to children in the CRAFT program. Requires the school district of origin where the student was last registered to bear this responsibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Rhode Island to disclose how they use artificial intelligence for managing coverage and claims. Insurers must report details like AI models used, training data, decision-making processes, and maintain 5-year records of AI-influenced decisions - including denials of medically necessary care. All AI-driven adverse benefit determinations must be reviewed and approved by a healthcare professional before finalizing, with their rationale documented. The law mandates annual reports to state regulators on AI usage, including performance metrics like denial rates and appeal outcomes, taking effect June 2026.
