Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.
Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.
Maddy summarySB 1046 amends the state's sales and use tax laws related to hotel taxes. Currently, there is a 5% state hotel tax and a 1% local hotel tax on hotel stays and similar accommodations. This bill introduces a new provision that allows individual cities and towns to levy an *additional* local hotel tax, up to a maximum of two percent (2%). This means a community could increase its total local hotel tax from one percent to up to three percent, with the state's division of taxation generally collecting and distributing these local taxes to the respective municipalities.
Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1079 designates May 12-18, 2025, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It supports global efforts to raise awareness about the need for accessible and affordable period products, break the stigma of menstruation, and advocate for related policy and funding.
Maddy summarySB 271 prohibits health benefit plans from requiring or conducting prospective or concurrent utilization reviews for certain prescription medications used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorder. This applies to medicines containing Methadone, Buprenorphine, or Naltrexone, or those FDA-approved for opioid withdrawal symptoms. The bill directly affects individuals seeking these treatments and the health insurers providing their plans. Additionally, it requires Medicaid managed care organizations to use specific medical necessity criteria for their utilization reviews, as selected by the executive office of health and human services. This act takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1069 reaffirms the friendship between the State of Rhode Island and Taiwan. It encourages the Rhode Island State Government to strengthen bilateral trade relations, including considering the possible opening of a trade office in Taiwan. The resolution also expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and agreements, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" in the State of Rhode Island. It honors police and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, acknowledging their sacrifice.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1064 congratulates the Brown University Women's Rugby Team for winning the Women's Rugby College National Championship for the third consecutive year. It also directs the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the resolution to the team's Head Coach, Rosalind Chou.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1066 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes "Zambarano Day" on May 13, 2025. This resolution congratulates the staff of the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus for their services and expresses the Rhode Island Senate's appreciation and continuing support for the hospital's long-term acute care efforts.
