Sen. Melissa Murray

Maddy summarySB 198 extends the authorization for licensed physical therapists to order diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays) as part of their practice beyond December 31, 2025. This bill directly affects physical therapists and their patients by allowing continued access to imaging tests without requiring a separate physician order. Key provisions include requiring therapists to report imaging results to a patient’s primary care physician within seven days (unless no primary care provider exists) and mandating annual utilization reports from health insurance plans to the legislature. The law maintains existing reporting requirements while removing the previous expiration date for this practice.

Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. It also adds civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.

Maddy summarySB 970 prohibits restrictive covenants that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on property where fresh food is sold for off-premises consumption. It directly affects property owners, developers, and grocery retailers by banning such restrictions unless specific relocation conditions are met. The key provision allows exceptions only if a store closes, the seller purchases new land within ½ mile, opens a similar-sized store within one year, and the covenant expires within 18 months of closure. This bill aims to prevent barriers to grocery access by making most land-use restrictions related to grocery stores unenforceable.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 421) authorizes $1,000,000 in state funding for the Rhode Island Food Bank to address food insecurity. It directly affects the Food Bank’s ability to support households facing hunger, as nearly 38% of Rhode Island households experience food insecurity. The key provision is a one-time appropriation from the state treasury, requiring the controller to pay the funds upon verified requests. This provides immediate financial support for food distribution services without altering existing eligibility rules or creating new programs.

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 1160), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Savini family following the passing of Roger A. Savini, a Woonsocket restaurant owner and community member. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Micheline Savini. It has no policy impact or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

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.

Maddy summarySB 171 would allow Rhode Island's executive office of health and human services to use state funds to support graduate medical education programs at academic medical centers serving critically ill and indigent patients. The bill directs these centers to receive funding for training in key areas like trauma, primary care, maternal health, mental health, and substance abuse. It requires the health office to establish annual Medicaid payment mechanisms to distribute these funds. If passed, this would change how state Medicaid funds support medical residency programs, though it remains pending Senate approval as of June 17, 2025.

Makes a technical amendment to correctly reference a section of general law that allows for a tax refund deduction for contributions to the Rhode Island organ transplant fund.