Sen. Lammis Vargas

Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees would be required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the Workers' Compensation Administration Fund to a list of state funds exempt from having 10% of their cash receipts transferred to the general fund as indirect cost recoveries. It directly affects the workers' compensation program by ensuring its dedicated funds remain separate from general revenue. The key provision modifies Section 35-4-27 to exclude this specific fund from the standard 10% indirect cost recovery rule. This is a procedural change to fund management, not a new policy.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Maddy summarySB 54 prohibits Rhode Island health insurance providers from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services. This directly affects insurers and patients seeking these specific treatments, ensuring they can access care without waiting for insurance approval. The bill amends existing law to align mental health/substance use coverage with medical care parity, building on an existing 2018 agreement by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. It does not change coverage for other medical conditions or out-of-network services.

Maddy summarySB 63 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's law. It specifies that a felony is any offense punishable by more than one year in prison or a fine over $1,000; a misdemeanor is punishable by 6 months to 364 days in prison or a fine up to $1,000; and a petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine up to $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in legal texts should be interpreted as 364 days. This change directly affects all criminal cases classified under these categories, ensuring consistent application of penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Creates a nine (9) member commission to the study and assess the most effective module for divorcing parents, and would report back by January 27, 2026, and expire on March 27, 2026.

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution, not a law. It formally designates February 7-14, 2025, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects in infants, recognizing they affect thousands of babies annually and require early medical intervention. It urges all Rhode Island residents to observe the week and acknowledges the work of medical professionals in this field. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups beyond encouraging community awareness.

Removes the exemption from the state hotel tax for residences rented in their entirety on a hosting platform on or after January 1, 2026, for a period of thirty (30) nights or less.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 9) expressing the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the family of Barbara Ann Capalbo following her passing. It formally honors her legacy as a respected arts manager, educator at Rhode Island School of Design, and public servant who served on the Hopkinton Town Council and various community boards. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her husband, William Capalbo, and family. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.