Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summarySB 2032 prohibits health insurance plans in Rhode Island from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations. It specifically covers exams used to evaluate abnormalities (diagnostic) or screen for breast cancer in high-risk individuals (supplemental), based on medical history or risk factors. The law applies to all group and individual health insurance plans, including those offered by health maintenance organizations and nonprofit health corporations. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, ensuring these exams are fully covered without cost-sharing for enrollees.

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.

Requires that before any fire fighter or police officer is eligible to receive benefits for illness or injury sustained off duty, they prove they had reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency existed that required immediate need of their assistance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences on the passing of Honorable Joseph A. Abbate, a former judge and public servant from Lincoln. The bill formally acknowledges his distinguished career, which included roles as a municipal judge, director of the Law Revision Office, and long-time community leader. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Abbate's surviving family members as a gesture of sympathy.

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Maddy summarySB 2089 amends retirement rules to allow certain retired public employees to work without losing their retirement benefits. Specifically, it permits paid members of the Rhode Island state labor relations board to continue receiving benefits while working, removing an automatic suspension that previously applied to post-retirement employment. The bill also establishes clear limits for other roles (like municipal work under 75 days/year or part-time teaching) where benefits remain intact, though no additional service credits or contributions are granted. It directly affects retired state employees in designated positions who wish to return to limited, defined roles. The change clarifies existing law rather than creating new benefits or eligibility.

Allows an owner or owners of real property to execute a deed that names one or more beneficiaries who will obtain title to the property at the owner's death without the necessity of probate.

Maddy summarySB 2021 creates a temporary tax exemption for small Bitcoin transactions in Rhode Island. It exempts individuals and Rhode Island-based businesses from state income tax on Bitcoin sales or exchanges totaling $5,000 or less per month, or $20,000 or less annually. Taxpayers must self-certify eligibility on their annual tax return and maintain records to verify they stayed within the limits, but do not need to report each transaction individually. The exemption applies only to transactions within the state and expires on January 1, 2028.

Authorizes the secretary of the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS) to increase resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term care needs who reside at home to $12,000 for single persons and $18,000 for couples.

Creates a comprehensive statutory framework to address and regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, considering the interests of employers and employees.