Sen. Ana Quezada

Maddy summarySB 377 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" to prevent state regulation of broadband services like VoIP and internet-based communications. It requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to submit data on speeds, technology, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which will create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map. This map will identify underserved areas and guide infrastructure planning, using data from ISPs, speed tests, and public sources. The bill aims to ensure all Rhode Island residents and businesses have access to reliable, affordable, and robust broadband service by prioritizing transparency over regulatory barriers.

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Provides for tiered and reduced penalties for offenses of larceny, and shoplifting. Further provides that offenses of shoplifting or larceny would not be misdemeanors, repeals habitual offender provisions and other fraudulent offenses.

Directs the departments of human services and education to work together to sustain and strengthen existing workforce development and compensation programs for educators working in licensed child care and early learning programs statewide.

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

Increases number of members of the state crime laboratory commission 9, changes makeup of commission to include individuals with expertise in law enforcement, criminal defense, scientific research, makes chair of department of physics executive secretary.

Maddy summarySB 222 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacists at least the national average drug acquisition cost (based on federal CMS data) plus a standard dispensing fee, or the wholesale acquisition cost plus the fee if national data isn't available. This directly affects community pharmacies and PBMs, ensuring they receive fair payment for dispensing medications. The bill mandates PBMs to disclose financial arrangements to regulators and allows the Health Insurance Commissioner to impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. It aims to prevent PBMs from underpaying pharmacies, promoting fair competition in drug pricing.

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.