Sen. Josh Miller

Maddy summarySB 2167 amends state laws regarding sales and use taxes to exempt scalp hair prostheses and wigs that are medically necessary due to hair loss from sales tax liability. The bill also clarifies how bundled transactions are defined and taxed, specifically establishing rules for when multiple items sold together are treated as a single taxable unit versus separate items. Additionally, it sets specific thresholds for determining when taxable goods within a bundle are considered insignificant enough to not trigger tax on the entire package. These changes directly affect retailers selling medical hair products and businesses that bundle various goods for sale.

Increases the state earned-income credit as of January 1, 2025 to seventeen percent (17%) of the federal earned-income credit, not to exceed the amount of state income tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Administration to create an online portal that tracks the number of funded full-time equivalent positions in the Departments of Children, Youth and Families and Human Services. The portal will display data broken down by specific job titles, such as social caseworkers and clinical social workers, showing how many positions are budgeted versus how many are currently filled. It requires the site to be updated monthly with side-by-side comparisons of budget proposals and finalized figures to allow for easy tracking of staffing changes over time.

Amends provisions relative to confidentiality of health care communications and the process for requesting records and/or confidential health care information.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2630 amends state zoning laws to establish uniform definitions and standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on the same lot as a primary home. The bill clarifies what constitutes an ADU, including detached units, garage conversions, and expanded primary dwellings, while also defining related terms like "abutter" and "adaptive reuse." By standardizing these definitions, the legislation aims to help towns and cities create consistent local zoning ordinances that allow for the construction of additional housing units.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 12 through May 18, 2024, as "National Hospital Week" in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of healthcare professionals and facilities. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the vital role hospitals play in the state's economy and community health, noting that local hospitals generate thousands of jobs and provide extensive medical services. It formally acknowledges the dedication of nurses, doctors, and staff who deliver essential care to residents. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.

Provides a special enrollment period for applicants for Medicare Part B. Also prohibits state insurance carriers from denying/imposing conditions on new enrollees or discriminate on price based upon health status/claims experience/preexisting conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents health insurance plans from requiring approval reviews for prescriptions used to treat alcohol or opioid use disorders. It specifically protects medications containing methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, as well as drugs approved for opioid withdrawal, from being subjected to prospective or concurrent utilization reviews. The law applies to all health benefit plans issued or renewed after the bill becomes effective and also mandates that Medicaid managed care organizations follow specific state criteria for these determinations. By removing these review barriers, the legislation aims to streamline access to addiction treatment medications for covered individuals.