Sen. Sam Zurier

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.

Directs the commissioner of postsecondary education to prepare a strategic plan for public higher education which is aligned with the goals of the board of education's strategic plan.

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Maddy summarySB 2642 would establish new regulations to prevent grocery stores in Rhode Island from using coercive tactics that pressure consumers into unwanted purchases or fees, such as requiring additional items to access discounts. The bill creates a dedicated legal framework within commercial law to specifically prohibit these unfair practices. This directly affects all grocery stores operating in Rhode Island and protects consumers from being subjected to such tactics. The policy change focuses on defining and banning these specific coercive behaviors through enforceable rules.

Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling two hundred seventeen million dollars ($217,000,000) for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November 2026.

Maddy summarySR 2257 is a Senate Resolution requesting Rhode Island's Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to adopt an electronic Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) system by January 1, 2027. This system is required by federal law to screen individuals with serious mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities before nursing home admission, directly affecting Medicaid-certified nursing facilities and vulnerable residents. The resolution asks EOHHS to investigate cost savings, potential partnerships with neighboring states, and federal funding to implement the digital system, which aims to reduce unnecessary institutionalization and support community-based care options. (Note: As a procedural resolution, this is a request to the executive branch, not a law requiring immediate action.)

Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.

Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.

Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.