Sen. Meghan Kallman

Maddy summarySB 598 requires all drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation in Rhode Island - including taxi drivers, bus operators, and ride-sharing (TNC) drivers - to pass a national and state criminal background check before transporting passengers. The check covers serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, DUI causing death, and certain drug or weapon crimes, with disqualifying information reported to the Division of Public Utilities. Drivers must pay for the check, receive a clearance certificate valid for five years, and can appeal denials by demonstrating rehabilitation for past convictions. The bill excludes juvenile records and some minor offenses from consideration, ensuring only relevant criminal history impacts eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 17, 2025, as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island" to recognize individuals with profound autism and their families. It specifically highlights people aged 8+ with significant cognitive challenges (IQ <50), minimal language, and high care needs like 24-hour supervision. The resolution aims to raise awareness about disparities in diagnosis and support access, urging inclusion in services and research. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the community's needs.

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

Maddy summarySB 326 establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act of 2025, requiring large fossil fuel corporations (defined as entities responsible for over one billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2024) to pay for climate change response work already funded by the state and municipalities. The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Management to calculate each company's share based on emissions data and issue payment demands for costs incurred since 2009, including projects like coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, and emergency planning. Funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated account and used solely for future climate adaptation efforts. This directly affects major fossil fuel companies that contributed significantly to climate change, shifting costs from taxpayers to those most responsible.

Requires every public school in Rhode Island to have a school library or library media center in a permanent and dedicated space available to students in grades K-12 with a librarian available.

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.

Allows a minor between the ages of 14 - 17 without a permanent residence/in custody of the DCYF to get state identification card without a signature from parent, guardian or foster parent as well as a certified copy of minor's birth certificate at no cost

Maddy summarySB 465 prohibits life insurance companies licensed in the state from denying coverage or excluding benefits due to a person’s preexisting medical conditions or prior insurance denials. It directly affects residents seeking life insurance policies within the state, ensuring they cannot be refused coverage based on health history. The bill voids any preexisting condition exclusion language in applications, binders, or policies, making such terms unenforceable. This policy change would take effect immediately upon passage, requiring insurers to offer coverage without these restrictions.

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.