Sen. Melissa Murray

Authorizes the sale of THC-infused beverages to be regulated by the DBR division of commercial licensing. It also establishes licensing and an endorsement process for wholesale and retail THC-infused beverages.

Provides that the trapping and subsequent release of any unowned feral or free roaming cat for the purpose of spaying or neutering of the cat would not be considered abandonment.

Maddy summarySB 168, the Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025, prevents insurance companies from requiring prior approval (where patients or doctors must get insurance permission before a service) for any medical service ordered by an in-network primary care provider. This means patients can receive care recommended by their primary care doctor without waiting for insurance review, directly affecting patients, primary care providers, and insurers. The key provision prohibits insurers from imposing prior authorization for these services, streamlining access to care. The bill applies to all health insurance plans operating in Rhode Island, removing a common administrative barrier for routine primary care referrals.

Maddy summarySB 610 strengthens consumer protections for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance policies in the state. It prohibits insurers from excluding benefits for preexisting conditions after a 6-month waiting period and bans policies that duplicate Medicare coverage. The bill guarantees beneficiaries (including those under 65 with disabilities) access to Plan A policies without medical underwriting or health-based eligibility checks during specific enrollment periods. It also requires the insurance commissioner to establish standards for policy terms, premium rates, and claims practices to ensure fairness and transparency.

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

Makes numerous technical corrections related to insurance, provides a definition for "cybersecurity insurance", and would repeal the chapter relating to reciprocal exchanges and interinsurers.

This pilot program would create a $3,000 trust for each Rhode Island child ages zero to one year born to a family enrolled in the Rhode Island Works Program (“RI Works”) during the preceding calendar year.

Protects the rights of employees in the workplace relating to free speech, assembly and religion, as well as attendance at employer-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious matters.

Maddy summarySB 932 extends a temporary rule allowing nonprofit organizations that sponsor special license plates to order as few as 150 plates per design (instead of the standard 600) without needing full prepayment. This change, originally set to expire December 31, 2025, is made permanent by the bill. It directly affects nonprofits that create custom plates for causes like charities or community groups, reducing their financial barrier to launching new designs. The bill repeals the expiration date, ensuring the lower minimum order requirement continues indefinitely.

Amends the definition of the practice of pharmacy to include the administration of all forms of influenza immunizations including COVID-19 to individuals over the age of 3 years pursuant to a valid prescription or prescriber approved protocol.