Sen. Bob Britto

Maddy summarySB 2686 establishes a new Office of the Elder Advocate within the Rhode Island state government. This office will directly promote the rights and well-being of older adults across the state. The key mechanism is creating a dedicated state position to advocate for older adults, address concerns about their care and rights, and serve as a resource for this population. The bill is currently in the early stages, having been introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee.

Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures, including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to classify assault on a railroad worker that causes personal injury as a felony offense. The legislation amends existing assault laws to include railroad workers alongside other protected officials, such as police officers and firefighters, when they are performing their duties. If someone strikes or sprays a railroad worker with a noxious chemical and causes bodily harm, they could face up to three years in prison, a fine of $1,500, or both. The law applies only when the railroad worker is on duty and proper identification is shown. This change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Allows the state to require utilities to relocate facilities for certain highway projects and to pay the cost of the relocation to the utility as part of the cost of the federally aided highway project.

Establishes a restricted receipt account for RIPTA to fund it operations from sales tax collected from ride-share companies. Exempts the account from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits healthcare companies from unilaterally changing important terms in contracts with healthcare providers while the contracts are still active. It directly affects health plans and healthcare providers by requiring mutual written agreement for any contract changes or allowing changes only when required by state or federal law. The law defines material terms to include reimbursement rates, payment schedules, coverage rules, and quality requirements, ensuring providers have stability during contract periods. Any proposed changes not mandated by law must be given at least 90 days notice before a contract renewal takes effect.

Sets the allocation to RIPTA at the greater of $0.1175 per gallon or 29.375% of total proceeds, with $0.005 per gallon derived from the $0.01 per gallon environmental protection fee.

Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee, by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement, under a health plan as of January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 172nd anniversary of the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan, highlighting the long-standing diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship between Rhode Island and Japan. The bill designates March 31 as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island to honor the treaty signing date and recognizes various institutions and events that promote U.S.-Japan cooperation. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state and federal officials, as well as the Consul General of Japan, to formally acknowledge the partnership.