Sen. Val Lawson

Establishes a single-payer health care insurance system, consolidating public and private payments into a more efficient Medicare-for-all style program, funded by progressive taxes, to reduce health care costs.

Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees would be required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.

Maddy summarySB 665 expands Rhode Island's crime victim compensation program to include hit-and-run victims who suffer serious bodily injury. The bill amends the law by adding a new category (section 19) specifically covering "failure to stop by a driver in circumstances which result in serious bodily injury." This change directly affects victims of hit-and-run crashes where injury occurs, making them eligible for financial assistance previously unavailable under the existing program. The law takes effect upon passage.

Provides that the early intervention program for developmentally disabled infants be under the jurisdiction of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS).

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 596), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Box family following the passing of Dr. Joseph J. Box. The resolution specifically directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Dr. Box's children. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or individuals beyond this expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 597) formally recognizes March 8, 2025, as "International Women’s Day" and the entire month of March 2025 as "Women’s History Month" within Rhode Island. It is a ceremonial resolution with no policy or funding changes, intended solely to honor women’s contributions. The resolution cites historical Rhode Island women and global observances to support this recognition. It was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on March 4, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to notify the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 54 prohibits Rhode Island health insurance providers from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects insurers and patients seeking these specific treatments, ensuring they can access care without waiting for insurance approval. The bill amends existing law to align mental health/substance use coverage with medical care parity, building on an existing 2018 agreement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. It does not change coverage for other medical conditions or out-of-network services.

Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first- time homebuyers saving account with Rhode Island Housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home.

Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 372) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Murphy family following the passing of John M. Murphy. It formally recognizes his life and contributions, including his career as a banking executive, philanthropy supporting institutions like Providence College and St. Joseph's Hospital, and his service on the Providence City Council. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to Grace Murphy and her family. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policy changes.