Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).
Maddy summarySB 2349 establishes a new program allowing students with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities (ages 18-22) to attend Rhode Island's state colleges and universities without meeting standard college entrance requirements like standardized tests, high school diplomas, or minimum GPAs. The program integrates into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and requires institutions to provide inclusive opportunities - such as credit courses, internships, and campus activities - with tailored supports for academic, career, and social development. Participation is classified as an approved special education service, with costs covered under existing IEP funding, though institutions are not required to pay for additional supports beyond typical offerings. The law applies to all state institutions, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as "School Library Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The bill aims to draw public attention to the vital role school librarians play in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship among students. It does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage citizens to recognize the value of school libraries. Upon passage, the Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the School Librarians of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Library Association.
Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.
Prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to minors in Rhode Island and require age verification, restricted access, and civil penalties for violations.
Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.
Maddy summarySB 2298 increases the maximum jail time for a first offense of animal cruelty from 11 to 12 months. It directly affects individuals convicted of mistreating animals, such as failing to provide food, shelter, or causing unnecessary harm. The bill amends the existing law to raise the penalty for initial violations without changing fines or additional requirements for repeat offenses. This is a straightforward adjustment to sentencing severity for the most common cruelty charge.
Maddy summarySB 2386 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover specific pharmacist services starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for services like medication therapy management, immunizations, and medication administration - services that would be covered if provided by physicians - without requiring supervision or referrals from other providers. Insurance plans must include pharmacists in their medical provider networks (distinct from pharmacy drug benefit networks) and cover these services even outside the network when no local provider is available. The law expires on January 1, 2031, unless extended by the legislature. This directly affects insurers, pharmacists, and patients seeking these covered services.
Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates students and instructors from the Warwick Area and Chariho Career and Technical Centers for winning the 2026 Rhode Island ProStart High School Competition. It recognizes the achievements of the top teams in culinary arts, foodservice management, and hospitality tourism, which will now advance to represent the state at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the two winning schools as a formal acknowledgment of their success.
