Sen. Melissa Murray

Maddy summarySB 2101 establishes Rhode Island's Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program to address provider shortages. It provides up to five $70,000 annual scholarships per year for medical students and five $47,000 annual scholarships for nurse practitioner or physician assistant students. Recipients must agree to work in Rhode Island primary care for a period matching their scholarship duration (4 years for med students, 2 years for NPs/PAs) and sign a promissory note for funds received. The program, administered by the Department of Health and Commissioner of Postsecondary Education, aims to recruit and retain primary care providers to meet the state's growing healthcare needs.

Allows, on and after September 1, 2026, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

Allows municipalities participating in the state prekindergarten program to accept students from outside the municipality under certain conditions and establishes a lottery for enrollment in the program.

Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.

Creates a 12 member special legislative commission whose purpose it would be to make a comprehensive study of RI medical malpractice lawsuits, claims, settlements, administrative filings and impact on medical malpractice insurance costs for providers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor the history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. The measure does not alter any laws or create new legal requirements but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation and support. By recognizing this time of year, the Senate aims to celebrate the culture and achievements of LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders while reaffirming the state's commitment to equity. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Rhode Island Pride to mark the occasion.

Prohibits state or local authorities from voluntary participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. It would not prohibit compliance with a judicial warrant or court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Rhode Island's existing health professional loan repayment program to include healthcare providers working in primary care settings, in addition to those serving medically underserved populations. The program offers financial assistance to repay student loans for eligible professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who commit to working in designated shortage areas or primary care facilities for at least two years. A state board will administer the program, determining eligible locations based on health professional shortage area designations and primary care provider needs, while reviewing applications and verifying applicant qualifications. The legislation aims to address staffing challenges in primary care by providing incentives to help recruit and retain healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Maddy summarySB 2186 allows individuals with disabilities to obtain up to two motor vehicle disability parking placards instead of the current limit of one. This directly affects people with disabilities who own multiple vehicles or require parking access for different vehicles. The bill amends existing law to increase the number of placards permitted per person, simplifying access to disability parking privileges. It does not change eligibility requirements or add new administrative processes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 16, 2026, and referred to committee.