Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summaryThis bill officially names a specific bridge in Providence, Rhode Island, the George Nee Bridge. It directly affects the state's infrastructure by permanently assigning this name to bridge number 44-000000000007010, which carries U.S. Route 44 (Smith Street) over Interstate 95. The legislation amends existing state laws to establish this naming designation, which will take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

Establishes a statewide mobile response and stabilization services program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their natural environments.

Requires pharmacy benefit managers to apply for certificate of authority from the office of health insurance commissioner to operate such a business in this state and empowers the commissioner to oversee pharmacy benefit managers and penalize violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with the state and submit detailed annual reports about their financial relationships with insurers. It prohibits these managers from forcing pharmacies to substitute generic drugs without prescriber approval and bans them from stopping pharmacists from sharing pricing information with patients. The legislation also prevents pharmacy benefits managers from charging copayments that exceed what pharmacies are paid and mandates a clear appeals process for disputes over drug pricing. These changes directly affect pharmacy benefits managers, insurers, pharmacies, and patients who use prescription drug coverage in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.

Maddy summarySB 2197 requires mental health professionals (such as licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers) to obtain specific written consent before using artificial intelligence for administrative tasks like scheduling or record-keeping. The bill bans AI tools designed to simulate emotional bonds or make therapeutic decisions during client sessions, including those used with recorded therapy. It prohibits AI from directly interacting with clients or replacing human judgment in treatment, while allowing limited AI use for non-therapeutic support under strict oversight. The law applies to all licensed mental health providers offering therapy or psychotherapy services in the state.

Creates three (3) new awards for Rhode Island National Guard members and would provide eligibility for the Rhode Island star for certain civilian government employees and military and civilian leaders of foreign governments.