Sen. Val Lawson

Maddy summarySB 217 allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale businesses in Rhode Island, expanding their purchasing options beyond previous restrictions. The bill requires caterers to follow specific safety rules, including checking IDs for patrons under 30, serving no more than two drinks at a time, avoiding shots, and limiting service to five hours per event. Caterers must pay a $500 annual fee, certify bartenders through approved training, and ensure alcohol remains under their control during events, with violations subject to $500 fines. This applies directly to caterers operating under Class P licenses, while those holding a Class B license remain exempt from the new purchasing rules.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Maddy summarySB 91, the Building Decarbonization Act of 2024, requires owners of large commercial and residential buildings (over 25,000 square feet) to benchmark energy use and meet future emissions standards. It establishes an Environmental Justice Advisory Board to help implement these rules and mandates that new buildings be "electric-ready" to support cleaner energy use. The law applies directly to building owners of qualifying properties, including multi-unit residential complexes and commercial spaces, while excluding public facilities and federal buildings. Key provisions include standardized energy reporting, performance targets, and dedicated funding to support compliance, aiming to reduce building emissions in line with Rhode Island’s 2050 net-zero goal.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 958), not a substantive bill. It formally commends PACE-RI for its 20 years of service supporting frail seniors in Rhode Island. The resolution celebrates PACE-RI's work in helping low-income seniors remain in their homes instead of nursing homes, citing its holistic care model and positive outcomes. The Senate directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to PACE-RI's Chief of External Affairs. No new laws, funding, or policy changes are enacted by this resolution.

Maddy summarySB 385 requires large electric and gas utility companies (with over 100,000 customers) in Rhode Island to provide clearer explanations of bill charges before changing rates. It mandates that companies file detailed plans with the Public Utilities Commission showing how they will manage revenue from rate changes, including annual reconciliation of over- or under-recovered funds. The bill also requires annual infrastructure and safety spending plans, with approval needed for investments in grid reliability and energy efficiency. These changes aim to make billing more transparent for residential customers and ensure rate decisions align with system reliability goals. The law directly affects major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and sets new requirements for how they structure billing and rate proposals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 56) urges the U.S. Congress to protect Traditional Medicare and patients from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It highlights that MA plans - enrolled by 54% of Medicare beneficiaries - often cost more than Traditional Medicare, restrict provider networks, require unnecessary prior authorizations, and disproportionately enroll disadvantaged groups. The resolution specifically calls for federal action to require transparency in MA billing, regulate misleading marketing, prevent "cherry-picking" of healthy enrollees, and redirect funds from MA plans toward expanding Traditional Medicare. As a state-level resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests congressional and administrative steps to address these issues.

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

Maddy summarySB 167 ensures that individuals under age 65 enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (including those with disabilities or end-stage renal disease) and all Medicare beneficiaries over 65 have a guaranteed right to enroll in standardized Medicare Supplement Plan A during an annual one-month enrollment period. The bill prohibits insurers from using medical underwriting or conditioning coverage on health status for these enrollments. It requires the Health Insurance Commissioner to establish the annual enrollment period and mandates that insurers offer Plan A without exclusions for preexisting conditions. This policy directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking supplemental coverage, guaranteeing access to standardized Plan A without health-based barriers.

Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2026 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.

Prohibits individuals from conveying items to or from the training school for youth without prior consent by the executive director of the division of youth development at the department of children, youth and families.