Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summarySB 2215 authorizes school administrators to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a threat to the safety of others, not just if they are disruptive. For preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional and can only occur when a student’s behavior presents an immediate physical safety risk. The bill also mandates that suspensions for alcohol, drugs, or weapons violations be handled case-by-case, and requires schools to annually collect and publish data on discipline practices, including race, disability, and age demographics. This data must be reviewed to address any disproportionate impacts on specific student groups.

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

Prohibits the use of genetic information for purposes of determining eligibility, setting premium rates, or imposing preexisting condition exclusions for life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance.

Requires any business entity that makes automatic renewal offers or memberships or subscriptions that are available on-line, also make the canceling such agreements for goods, services, memberships or subscriptions equally accessible on-line.

Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2314 prohibits most people from possessing large-capacity firearm magazines (holding more than 10 rounds), making first-time violations a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail or a $1,000 fine, and subsequent violations felonies with up to five years in jail or a $5,000 fine. It allows existing owners who legally possessed such magazines before June 20, 2022, to modify, surrender, or transfer them within 180 days. Exemptions include law enforcement officers (active and retired with permits), military members, and those who lawfully owned the devices prior to the effective date. The bill directly affects firearm owners, with penalties applying to unauthorized possession or failure to comply with the transition period.

Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.

Maddy summarySB 2298 increases the maximum jail time for a first offense of animal cruelty from 11 to 12 months. It directly affects individuals convicted of mistreating animals, such as failing to provide food, shelter, or causing unnecessary harm. The bill amends the existing law to raise the penalty for initial violations without changing fines or additional requirements for repeat offenses. This is a straightforward adjustment to sentencing severity for the most common cruelty charge.

Maddy summarySB 2386 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover specific pharmacist services starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for services like medication therapy management, immunizations, and medication administration - services that would be covered if provided by physicians - without requiring supervision or referrals from other providers. Insurance plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (distinct from pharmacy drug benefit networks) and cover these services even outside the network when no local provider is available. The law expires on January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature. This directly affects insurers, pharmacists, and patients seeking these covered services.