Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions or nolo contendere pleas from purchasing or possessing a firearm. It also prevents the sentencing judge from suspending the first two (2) years of any sentence under limited circumstances.
Maddy summarySB 2095 directs 20% of annual revenue from Rhode Island's highway maintenance account to fund the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) starting July 1, 2026, for its operating costs. Previously, RIPTA received 5% (2015-2025), then 10% (2025-2026), with a fixed $5 million annual allocation (except during federal relief funding periods). The bill gradually increases transit funding from the highway fund to support RIPTA's operations without requiring new taxes. This policy change specifically affects RIPTA's budget and Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure funding structure.
Increases continuing education requirements for physician assistants, removes restrictions of PAs to render charitable care and aid for school and youth programs or cardiac arrest and removes restrictive covenants as to ownership by a PA.
Creates a Rhode Island specialty license for physician assistants who earn the NCCPA psychiatry CAQ, formally recognizing advanced behavioral health qualifications and supporting appropriate insurance reimbursement.
Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special Joint Legislative Commission to Study the Return of Central Falls Schools to Local Governance, from March 3, 2026, to April 10, 2026, and would expire on July 1, 2026.
Directs the commissioner of postsecondary education to prepare a strategic plan for public higher education which is aligned with the goals of the board of education's strategic plan.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution welcomes the Narragansett Council of Scouting America to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill recognizes the council's youth development programs, community service efforts, and educational opportunities provided to thousands of Rhode Island youth and their families. It formally thanks Scouts and volunteer leaders for their contributions to leadership training, food drives, and outdoor education programs throughout the state. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the council's executive director.
Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's cannabis regulations by removing the requirement to express cannabinoid levels as dry-weight percentages. The change directly affects cannabis businesses, including cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers, who currently must label products using this specific measurement method. By allowing the cannabis control commission to determine the form and manner for expressing cannabinoid amounts, the bill gives regulators more flexibility in how product potency is reported and tested. This adjustment aims to modernize the state's cannabis framework without altering the core legal requirements for cannabis businesses.
Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.
