Sen. Sam Zurier

Maddy summarySB 197 prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to pay deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It directly affects individuals enrolled in group or individual health insurance plans by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for these specific exams. Diagnostic exams evaluate abnormalities found during screening or other exams, while supplemental exams screen for breast cancer in high-risk cases based on medical history. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to all health insurance plans covered under the bill's provisions.

Maddy summarySB 47 adjusts the state motor fuel tax rate every two years to account for inflation, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) from the previous two years instead of the previous year. It requires the tax administrator to calculate the adjustment based on CPI-U data from September 30 of the prior year compared to data from two years earlier, rounding to the nearest cent. This change affects fuel distributors who pay the tax, as it modifies how their tax payments are adjusted annually. The bill does not change the base tax rate of $0.32 per gallon but updates the inflation calculation method to a two-year rolling average. The adjustment would take effect upon passage, with the first change applying in 2025.

Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.

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.

Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.

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.

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines key firearm terms, including "ghost gun" (a firearm without a federal serial number) and "crime gun" (a firearm used in a criminal offense). It mandates that law enforcement submit crime guns to a state crime lab for forensic ballistics testing when seized during criminal investigations. The policy directly affects law enforcement agencies, crime labs, and individuals possessing firearms by requiring standardized testing procedures. This change aims to improve the tracing and investigation of firearms used in crimes.

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. Violations would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per violation.