Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.
Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.
Bars state and local police from joining federal immigration enforcement programs, limits holding people on detainer without judicial warrants, and requires tracking and reporting of requests.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2465) urges the U.S. Congress to protect Medicare beneficiaries and traditional Medicare from issues with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It highlights that 54% of Medicare enrollees are in MA plans, which often cost more when serious illness occurs, have narrower provider networks, and use practices like "cherry-picking" healthy enrollees to boost profits. The resolution specifically calls for federal action requiring MA transparency, stricter marketing rules, and banning profit-driven tactics such as upcoding or denying necessary care. It directly affects all Medicare beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups disproportionately enrolled in MA plans.
Maddy summarySB 2447 creates a tax credit for businesses and organizations that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe to eat but not sold due to appearance or other factors) to nonprofits serving the needy. Eligible taxpayers - including restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals - can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 per year. To qualify, donations must go to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide food to people in need, and nonprofits must provide a certificate confirming the donation meets safety standards. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of state law and takes effect January 1, 2027.
Prohibits bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents from engaging in civil immigration enforcement, define such conduct as unprofessional, and subject violators to professional discipline under Rhode Island law.
Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who were hired as a sworn officer of the US Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025, and applies prospectively to an individual hired on or after October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryRhode Island's SB 2608, the "Rhode Island Community Protection Act," prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during public interactions while performing official duties, except for specific safety or operational exceptions (like health emergencies, SWAT operations, or fire rescues). The bill directly affects all state, local, and federal law enforcement officers interacting with the public in Rhode Island. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to one year in jail or $1,000 fines) and civil liability for victims, including minimum $10,000 damages for intentional misconduct. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Creates an 11-member task force to track and oversee immigration enforcement and support actions in Rhode Island, and who would report back to the General Assembly House no later than January 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.
Maddy summarySB 2097 requires state agencies managing special accounts (like Medicaid funds, environmental programs, and veterans' benefits) to submit quarterly financial reports to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services starting October 1, 2026. It applies to most restricted receipt accounts but excludes specific funds such as the Rhode Island Statewide Opioid Abatement Account, HIV Care Grant Drug Rebates, and Veterans’ Home accounts. The bill aims to improve centralized oversight of state finances by standardizing reporting for these accounts. Agencies must comply unless federal law, court orders, or existing restrictions prevent it.
