Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summarySB 2840 amends Rhode Island's sales and use tax laws to exempt licensed child care centers from paying sales tax on their purchases. This change directly affects licensed child care providers by removing the tax liability they currently face when buying goods and services for their operations. The bill modifies existing tax exemption categories, specifically adding licensed child care centers to the list of entities that can purchase items tax-free, alongside schools and other educational institutions. The provision applies to tangible personal property used in the daily functioning of these child care facilities, aligning their tax treatment with that of other educational organizations already exempt from the tax.

Creates a publicly funded program for uninsured individuals requiring on an appropriation of $53,200,000 for fiscal year 2027 and an appropriation of 109,600,000 for fiscal year 2028 and every fiscal year thereafter.

Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.

Maddy summarySB 2097 requires state agencies managing special accounts (like Medicaid funds, environmental programs, and veterans' benefits) to submit quarterly financial reports to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services starting October 1, 2026. It applies to most restricted receipt accounts but excludes specific funds such as the Rhode Island Statewide Opioid Abatement Account, HIV Care Grant Drug Rebates, and Veterans’ Home accounts. The bill aims to improve centralized oversight of state finances by standardizing reporting for these accounts. Agencies must comply unless federal law, court orders, or existing restrictions prevent it.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists to prescribe medications that help people quit smoking, provided they have completed specific state-approved education on tobacco cessation therapies. It directly affects pharmacists and their employers by establishing new prescribing authority within their professional scope. The legislation requires pharmacists to complete education approved by the state board of pharmacy before they can use this new prescribing power. This change aims to expand access to smoking cessation treatments through pharmacies.

Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.

Eliminates fingerprinting fees for licensed childcare hires, require background checks for youth activity instructors, and allow active TS/SCI clearance to satisfy criminal background check requirements.

Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.

Maddy summarySB 2596 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights for siblings separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. It directly affects children in these situations and their separated siblings, ensuring they can maintain contact unless it harms a child's well-being. The bill mandates courts to approve visitation if it serves the child's best interests, there's a strong emotional bond, and parents/guardians negotiate in good faith. It also requires children aged 12+ to be heard in court and prohibits monetary damages in related disputes. The law takes effect upon passage.