Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.
Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.
Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.
Maddy summarySB 2078, the School Libraries Act, requires every public school in Rhode Island (including traditional schools, charters, and vocational schools) to have a permanent library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates that schools with 250+ students have a full-time librarian by 2027 (high schools), 2029 (middle/high schools), and 2031 (all K-12), while smaller schools must have at least half-time coverage. The bill specifies that libraries must include adequate book collections, student study space, technology, and daily student access, with librarians available during open library time. It also defines key terms like "information literacy" and "media literacy" to guide implementation. The law would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit corporations and non-licensed entities from owning medical practices or controlling clinical decisions. It requires doctors licensed in Rhode Island to hold majority ownership (shares and board control) in medical practices, while banning management companies from interfering with clinical judgment or restricting doctors’ non-compete agreements. The law also prohibits management organizations from advertising clinics under their own names or entering contracts that would let them dictate staffing, billing, or patient care decisions. These provisions directly affect medical practices using management services organizations and doctors working within them. The bill has been referred to committee but is currently held for further study.
Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.
Maddy summarySB 2458 requires the state to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by July 1, 2026, enabling out-of-state doctors to practice telemedicine in the state. This directly affects patients seeking telemedicine services and healthcare providers licensed in other states who wish to offer remote care. The bill adds a new telemedicine chapter (23-104-1) specifying that patients may receive telemedicine services, including from out-of-state providers, under the compact. It mandates the Department of Health and Insurance Commissioner to create necessary rules for implementation.
Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.
Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.
Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.
