Sen. Sam Zurier

Maddy summarySB 267 strengthens protections for Rhode Island residents seeking Medicare supplement ("Medigap") insurance. It requires insurers to offer Plan A policies without medical underwriting to applicants aged 65+ or under 65 with disability/end-stage renal disease who are eligible for Medicare, and guarantees issue rights during annual enrollment periods. The bill prohibits exclusions for pre-existing conditions beyond six months and bans duplicating Medicare benefits, while establishing community-rated premiums and standardized policy terms. It also mandates the Health Insurance Commissioner to enforce these rules and monitor insurer compliance, with penalties for violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 303 increases daily pay for jurors serving in Rhode Island superior courts from $25 to $50 per day, effective July 1, 2025. It directly affects individuals summoned for jury duty in superior court cases. The bill also allows jurors to voluntarily donate their daily fee to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center, with donations deposited into the state general fund. The increased payment requires annual legislative funding to cover the costs.

Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.

Gives authority to the department of labor and training to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. This act would also add civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.

Allows the board of regents to appoint a receiver to manage a school district with the authority described in § 16-7.1-5.2 relating to state intervention in the Providence public school district.

Increases the minimum wage amount for any person committed to the adult correctional institution from three dollars to five dollars a day for every day the person shall labor.

Maddy summarySB 645, the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibits the sale of most consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) starting in 2027, with additional bans on artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions taking effect in 2029. The bill exempts products containing PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact, such as certain cookware, and requires clear labeling for products containing PFAS. It also exempts unavoidable trace amounts of PFAS in cosmetics due to manufacturing processes. This law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of affected products within the state.

Allows when authorized by the board of regents, the commissioner to designate a receiver for the district with all the powers of the superintendent and school committee.

Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recall obligation policies.

Requires a seventy-five percent (75%) supermajority vote by the board of directors to establish a quorum and to approve any action taken by the commerce corporation.