Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's business laws by replacing the existing Limited Liability Company Act with a newer model and adding requirements for professional limited liability partnerships to carry liability insurance or set aside segregated funds. The new insurance requirement applies to registered limited liability partnerships that perform professional services, mandating coverage based on the number of professional employees with a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $500,000, or alternatively allowing partnerships to deposit funds in trust or use bank letters of credit. The bill also includes provisions that prevent insurance details from being disclosed to juries if compliance is met, and it repeals the current Limited Liability Company Act to incorporate the updated definitions and regulations. These changes directly affect business owners, managers, and legal professionals who operate limited liability partnerships or companies in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court programs as recovery court, expanding eligibility to include non-violent offenses beyond just drug-related charges. The legislation creates a new position of drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court, who will preside over adult recovery court programs that combine court authority with therapeutic treatment plans for drug-addicted defendants. Key provisions include establishing a ten-year appointment term for magistrates, defining screening criteria for program admission, and granting magistrates the power to impose incarceration for violations of court conditions. The bill also clarifies that participants must sign contracts outlining program expectations and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.

Requires party chairpersons to submit lists of party voters to the mayor or council president within 30 days of notice of vacancy in a municipal election office and mayor/council president are required to make a replacement nomination within 30 days.

Maddy summarySB 2333 creates a special motor vehicle registration plate for the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit entity. Vehicle owners who choose this plate pay a one-time $40 surcharge (split $20 to the state general fund and $20 to the Hall of Fame) and a $10 annual renewal fee, all going to support Rhode Island hockey initiatives. The Hall of Fame must use these funds for Rhode Island-based hockey charities and submit annual financial reports. The plate design is approved jointly by the Hall of Fame and the state police, and it replaces standard registration plates.

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

Establishes a statewide mobile response and stabilization services program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their natural environments.

Requires pharmacy benefit managers to apply for certificate of authority from the office of health insurance commissioner to operate such a business in this state and empowers the commissioner to oversee pharmacy benefit managers and penalize violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with the state and submit detailed annual reports about their financial relationships with insurers. It prohibits these managers from forcing pharmacies to substitute generic drugs without prescriber approval and bans them from stopping pharmacists from sharing pricing information with patients. The legislation also prevents pharmacy benefits managers from charging copayments that exceed what pharmacies are paid and mandates a clear appeals process for disputes over drug pricing. These changes directly affect pharmacy benefits managers, insurers, pharmacies, and patients who use prescription drug coverage in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.