Limits copays, coinsurance or office deductibles for services of a physical therapist to the amount authorized for the services of a primary care physician or osteopath on or after January 1, 2027.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Prohibits the use of heating systems utilizing fossil fuels as well as air or water heating systems in any state or municipal building open to the public constructed, altered or renovated on or after January 1, 2028.
Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.
Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.
Maddy summarySB 2611, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm industry members (including manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of firearms, ammunition, and accessories) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, traffickers, or straw purchasers. It prohibits advertising or marketing that promotes illegal use or increases public safety risks. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and affected individuals or the state may file lawsuits to seek damages, injunctions, or restitution. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, for new civil actions.
Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.
Creates the multi-unit residential decarbonization initiative program to provide funding for feasibility studies to convert large, multi-family residential units to non-emitting renewable geothermal energy.
Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.
Maddy summarySB 2615 prohibits drivers from occupying the extreme left lane on limited access highways when not passing another vehicle. This rule directly affects drivers traveling on multi-lane highways, requiring them to move right if they are not overtaking slower traffic. The bill amends existing law to clarify that using the left lane for cruising (rather than passing) is a violation subject to existing fines. It takes effect upon passage and applies specifically to highways with multiple lanes where passing is the only permitted use of the left lane.
