Sen. Ana Quezada

Eliminates prior authorization or step therapy requirement for prescriptions for any HIV prevention drug/prohibits the requirement of any copayment or the meeting of any deductible to obtain the prescription covered by the contract, plan, or policy.

Deletes subsection (b) of this section which lists the furbearing mammals in the state and requires DEM to promulgate by rule, a list of "furbearers" for this chapter.

Maddy summaryThis law allows residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to install cameras, audio recorders, or video recorders in their private rooms or living units. To use these devices, a resident must provide written consent, and if they live with a roommate, the roommate must also agree to the monitoring. Facilities must try to move a resident to a private room if their current roommate refuses to consent, though the resident may have to pay a higher fee for that room. The rules also require that anyone monitoring a resident explain the device's capabilities and conditions before consent is given, and residents can turn off the recording at any time.

Prohibits the charging of any fees to a senior citizen who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. The violation of this provision would be a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.

Maddy summarySB 2677 expands the ability of individuals to have their criminal records expunged by allowing multiple non-violent felony convictions to be cleared ten years after the sentence is completed. The bill also permits the expungement of multiple misdemeanor convictions after five years and includes provisions for deferred sentences and decriminalized offenses. Eligible applicants must demonstrate good moral character, show no new arrests or convictions in the relevant time period, and have paid all associated court fees and fines. Courts retain the discretion to grant or deny these motions based on whether the applicant's rehabilitation aligns with the public interest.

Maddy summarySB 2781 updates the state's Uniform Commercial Code to include modern definitions for emerging digital technologies. The bill amends the law's general provisions to formally define terms such as "electronic," "electronic document of title," and "control," ensuring these concepts apply to business transactions involving digital records. By clarifying how electronic documents function alongside traditional paper instruments, the legislation provides a consistent legal framework for buying, selling, and securing goods in the digital economy. These changes directly affect businesses and individuals engaged in commercial activities that rely on electronic systems for managing titles and contracts.

Maddy summarySB 2172 proposes to increase the minimum property tax exemption for veterans in Rhode Island from $1,000 to $6,000. This change would apply to individuals who served honorably in various U.S. military conflicts, as well as their unmarried widows or widowers. The bill allows local towns to set their own exemption amounts, which often exceed the state minimum, and it clarifies how the exemption is applied to a veteran's real and personal property.

Maddy summarySB 2388 amends state laws to ensure that all home health care patients receive services regardless of whether they live permanently or temporarily in the state. The bill outlines specific rights for these patients, including the ability to refuse care, access their medical records, and receive information about costs and billing procedures. It also requires providers to document and investigate any complaints made by patients or their families. Additionally, the legislation mandates that insurance policies include clear provisions regarding contract terms and time limits on certain defenses.

This act serves as the enabling act required by § 16-7-44 of the general laws in order for the principal and interest on bonds issued in support of school housing projects to be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences for the passing of Eileen M. Rao, a lifelong resident of Providence and the co-founder of the local business Mr. Lemon. The document highlights her legacy as a dedicated business owner and family matriarch, noting her significant role in growing the lemonade stand into a family venture over nearly fifty years. It formally directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this sympathy resolution to her three children, Janice Valedofsky, Joseph Rao Jr., and Colleen Rao-Sales.