Removes the definition of "totally and permanently disabled" from the general law affording college tuition paid by the state to the spouse and children of active members of the police force who are killed or disabled during duty.
Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester be eligible for the same medical benefits as other full-time state employees.
Exempts individual retirement accounts as a countable resource for public assistance. This act also prohibits the state as a creditor against an ABLE account in the event of death of a beneficiary.
Maddy summarySB 2084 increases the monthly personal needs allowance for nursing facility residents from $75 to $100. This change directly affects residents in state-licensed nursing homes by providing them with an additional $25 per month for personal expenses like toiletries or minor comforts. The bill amends Section 40-8-2(7)(v) of the General Laws to update this allowance amount. It will take effect on July 1, 2026. The policy change is a straightforward adjustment to existing funding without altering eligibility or other program requirements.
Allows EOHHS to implement waiver amendments, state plan amendments, and changes to department rules and regulations to make certain updates to the behavioral health per-diem add on program for particularly complex patients.
Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.
Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.
Removes the requirement that 5% of the hotel tax generated from regional tourism districts be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, and adds that 5% of the hotel tax to the existing tax paid to the RI commerce corporation.
Establishes the Rhode Island education funding and accountability act, which would include a totally revised and revamped formula for funding all levels of public education in Rhode Island.
Creates commission to study medical malpractice issues relating to lawsuits, claims, settlements, filings and related impact on insurance costs for providers with report due 10/1/27 and expiration on 1/31/28.
