Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.
Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by an alleged housing code violation, along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.
Maddy summarySB 2562 requires health insurers to pay an additional $30 million annually starting in 2026 to fund telehealth services, specifically including the PediPRN (pediatric) and MomsPRN (maternal) teleconsultation lines. This funding is added to existing healthcare contributions and deposited into a dedicated "PRN account" managed by the Department of Health. The bill directly affects health insurers (through new fees) and benefits Rhode Island residents seeking timely mental health support for children, mothers, and perinatal patients. The funds will support statewide psychiatric consultation services for primary care providers, expanding behavioral health capacity without altering current insurance coverage.
Provides that the prescription label for medication abortion prescription drugs may include the name of the dispensing healthcare practice instead of the name of the dispenser.
Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.
Maddy summarySB 2101 establishes Rhode Island's Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program to address provider shortages. It provides up to five $70,000 annual scholarships per year for medical students and five $47,000 annual scholarships for nurse practitioner or physician assistant students. Recipients must agree to work in Rhode Island primary care for a period matching their scholarship duration (4 years for med students, 2 years for NPs/PAs) and sign a promissory note for funds received. The program, administered by the Department of Health and Commissioner of Postsecondary Education, aims to recruit and retain primary care providers to meet the state's growing healthcare needs.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor the history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. The measure does not alter any laws or create new legal requirements but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation and support. By recognizing this time of year, the Senate aims to celebrate the culture and achievements of LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders while reaffirming the state's commitment to equity. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Rhode Island Pride to mark the occasion.
Prohibits state or local authorities from voluntary participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. It would not prohibit compliance with a judicial warrant or court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Maddy summarySB 2457, the Rhode Island Kratom Act, requires retailers to store all kratom products behind a locked case until sold, directly affecting businesses selling kratom. The bill prohibits sales to anyone under 21, mandating valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) to verify age at purchase. These rules take effect April 1, 2026, applying to all kratom product transactions in Rhode Island. The law focuses on physical storage and age verification as its core mechanisms.
Maddy summarySB 2109 prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from requiring or conducting insurance reviews for prescriptions used to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. Specifically, it blocks reviews for medications containing methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, or for any FDA-approved medication managing opioid withdrawal. The bill directly affects patients seeking addiction treatment and insurers/pharmacy managers handling these prescriptions. It also requires Medicaid managed care organizations to use state-set medical necessity criteria for reviews. The law takes effect upon passage.
