Adds new sections that set forth conditions for pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation drug therapies, including education approved by state board of pharmacy. The cessation therapies to be covered by all health insurance carriers on or after 1/1/26.
Maddy summarySB 814 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct by law enforcement officers, public safety officials, or hospital staff. The bill penalizes individuals who submit false reports with up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory restitution to the falsely accused person for damages. It specifically targets false reports filed with the intent that they be relied upon by authorities, covering both criminal reports and official misconduct complaints. The bill is currently in committee (held for further study after a March 2025 hearing) and would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summarySB 543 prohibits the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products (vape products with non-tobacco/mint flavors) to consumers in Rhode Island, except at designated vape shops. It defines a "vape shop" as a business exclusively selling nicotine products to adults 21+ and exempts these shops from the flavor ban. The bill also clarifies that cannabis facilities (compassion centers) are exempt from the prohibition, except for tobacco/nicotine products. This legislation is pending Senate Finance Committee action after being referred for study.
Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.
Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.
Increases the number of state child care licensing inspectors to meet the national recommended average of one inspector for every fifty (50) to sixty (60) child care providers.
Maddy summarySB 827 requires casinos to pay overtime to workers who work on Sundays or designated holidays, such as New Year's Day or Christmas. This bill directly affects casino employees in Rhode Island, as it amends the state's labor law to include them under overtime protections previously excluded. The key change modifies the definition of "employee" to remove casinos from the list of exempt workplaces, ensuring they follow standard overtime rules for holiday and Sunday shifts. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other exemptions, like those for restaurants or healthcare workers.
Maddy summarySB 704 requires Rhode Island nursing homes to publicly disclose detailed financial information starting July 1, 2025. Owners and managers with 5% or more ownership or financial influence must submit balance sheets, income statements, cash flow reports, and proof that services provided were at fair market value. This includes all assets, liabilities, expenses, and details on goods/services supplied to the facility. The public will access this data while protecting individual owner privacy, aiming to increase transparency in nursing home finances.
Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 881) formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state, highlighting their roles in mental health, substance use treatment, advocacy for marginalized communities, and addressing crises like homelessness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter (NASW-RI). It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of social workers' impact on Rhode Island communities.
