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.
Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years.
Requires that an independent efficiency and performance audit of the department of transportation be commissioned by the department of administration.
Creates a 9 member commission to study shared services and the potential for regionalization of school districts, and who would report back to the Senate by April 15, 2027, and whose life would expire once its report is issued.
Requires employers to provide full-time employees four (4) hours of paid leave once a year to donate blood through and any approved blood donation program.
Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes election deadlines by moving the date for filing candidacy declarations from June to April for state and local elections. It directly affects candidates running for party or independent nomination in primary elections by requiring them to submit their paperwork earlier. The key provision sets a new April deadline for filing declaration forms, which must include personal information, party affiliation, and certifications about criminal history and mental competency. Local election boards will check signatures against voter lists and can reject papers with invalid signatures, while the state board may review cases showing patterns of forgery. This change aims to ensure candidates file their nomination materials earlier in the election cycle.
Maddy summarySB 2464 requires Rhode Island's health insurance commissioner to produce annual reports on insurer practices, including fee schedules, provider credentialing processes, and data disclosure methods for healthcare facilities. The bill mandates that a professional-provider-health-plan work group (part of an advisory council) compile specific data to help consumers compare quality and costs of care. These reports, due by January 1, 2027, will cover topics like insurance dispute resolution, real-time enrollment verification, and the impact of "silent PPOs" on providers. The legislation directly affects health insurers, medical providers, and consumers by increasing transparency in health insurance operations and pricing.
Maddy summarySB 2131 extends an existing rule prohibiting political activity within 50 feet of polling places to include early voting locations. It directly affects anyone distributing political materials or displaying campaign items near voting sites during both early voting and election day. The bill adds "early voting" to the current prohibition on politicking within 50 feet of polling entrances, ensuring the same buffer zone applies to all voting periods. This change clarifies that the 50-foot restriction covers all voting locations, not just election day.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
