Sen. Bob Britto

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2354) requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to end a cost-sharing mechanism for gas line extensions in Rhode Island Energy's tariffs. Currently, all gas customers pay for new connections to the gas system through a "gas line extension allowance," which the resolution argues locks in long-term gas infrastructure conflicting with climate goals. The request specifically targets Docket 25-45-GE, where Rhode Island Energy is proposing rate adjustments, and asks the PUC to eliminate this allowance as part of those changes. The resolution directly affects all gas customers by removing a shared cost for new infrastructure.

Increases historic tax credit to 30%, and up to 35%, depending on the amount of rental area available for multi-family housing, affordable rental units and units sold as affordable housing.

Allows any city, town, state and/or agency of a municipality or the state to report unpaid fines of two hundred dollars ($200) or more to the division of motor vehicles as grounds for refusal of registration.

Prohibits a healthcare provider from requiring patients to provide electronic payment information to be kept on file as a condition to receiving treatment and makes it a violation a deceptive trade practice.

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

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.

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese American community. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state officials, the Portuguese government, and local organizations. While it does not alter laws or funding, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the cultural, economic, and historical contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state.

Maddy summarySB 2186 allows individuals with disabilities to obtain up to two motor vehicle disability parking placards instead of the current limit of one. This directly affects people with disabilities who own multiple vehicles or require parking access for different vehicles. The bill amends existing law to increase the number of placards permitted per person, simplifying access to disability parking privileges. It does not change eligibility requirements or add new administrative processes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 16, 2026, and referred to committee.

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.