Sen. Todd Patalano

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.

Maddy summarySB 2390 reclassifies certain gift card fraud offenses as theft (larceny), directly affecting gift card holders and those who commit fraud against them. It makes it a crime to steal or alter gift cards or their redemption information with intent to defraud, imposing fines up to $1,000 or one year in jail for amounts under $1,500. For offenses exceeding $1,500 or recurring within six months, standard larceny penalties apply. The bill defines key terms like "cardholder" and "forgery" to clarify these offenses. This changes penalties from civil fines to criminal charges for significant fraud.

Increases the fines for certain traffic offenses to one hundred dollars ($100) and adds fines of one hundred dollars ($100) for offenses required by law but omitted from the schedule.

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide a consultation to pet owners when prescribing and dispensing medication for an animal receiving regular annual care. It directly affects veterinarians who dispense medications and pet owners who receive those medications. The key provision mandates that veterinarians discuss medication details, usage, and any necessary follow-up at the time of dispensing. This aims to improve communication about veterinary medications for ongoing animal health needs.

Creates the joint committee of the repealer for a term of six (6) years to compile suggestions for repeal of certain statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

Maddy summarySB 2282 requires local election boards to provide clearer voter information for local ballot questions and early voting. It mandates posting and advertising ballot question details (including cost estimates for bond issues) in public locations, newspapers, or via mailed notices 25 days before elections, plus publishing the same information on municipal websites for 25 days. The bill also requires early voting dates, hours, and locations to be advertised in newspapers and maintained on websites with accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.0 AA). These changes directly affect local election boards and voters by standardizing how election information is delivered and ensuring accessibility.

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Maddy summarySB 2544 suspends the 4% gross earnings tax on electric utility companies and the 3% tax on gas utility companies until January 1, 2036. This directly affects electric and gas utility corporations operating in the state by removing these tax obligations for nearly a decade. The bill amends tax code provisions to halt these specific tax rates, which would otherwise apply to their gross earnings from electricity and gas services. The suspension begins January 1, 2027, and remains in effect through 2035.

Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.