Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 2428 prohibits retailers in Rhode Island from using dynamic or surveillance pricing practices - where prices change based on consumer data or behavior - to sell goods or services to individual consumers. It directly affects retailers (including online sellers) operating within the state, requiring them to set fixed prices rather than algorithmically adjusted ones. The bill defines "price" broadly to include all costs and fees, and aligns with existing deceptive trade practices laws by banning tactics that mislead consumers about pricing. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and expires on March 31, 2026, pending further legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 2467 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. This directly affects patients seeking these specific treatments through in-network providers, removing a common administrative barrier. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and aligns with existing requirements ensuring mental health coverage is treated equally to physical health coverage under insurance plans. It does not apply to out-of-network services or change other coverage rules like cost-sharing parity.

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 2344 prohibits payment networks and financial institutions from charging merchants interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portions of electronic payments. It requires merchants to report tax/gratuity amounts during transaction authorization or settlement to avoid these fees, or submit documentation within 180 days for refunds. Merchants who fail to report can still seek refunds by providing tax/gratuity documentation, and payment networks face $1,000 penalties per violation for noncompliance. The law applies to credit/debit card transactions and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Amends the definition of "domestic violence" to include the coercive control of another resulting in a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with another person's free will or personal liberty.

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.)

Maddy summarySB 2183 eliminates the registration and service charge fees for vehicles displaying National Guard license plates. This directly affects National Guard members who use these specialized plates for their personal vehicles. The bill's key provision is removing these specific fees from the state's vehicle registration system, simplifying the process for eligible National Guard members without altering other registration requirements.

Raises the gross weight of a vehicle eligible for reserve forces plates from 8,500 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. with US flag on the plates. Proof of honorable discharge to be provided to DMV.

Permits students diagnosed with asthma, a condition that may lead to bronchospasm or anaphylaxis, or both, to carry and self-administer asthma medication or auto-injectable or intranasal epinephrine, or both.

Requires the department of health to implement a tobacco control program that incorporates evidence-based best practices for tobacco prevention and cessation to prevent tobacco-related diseases and diminish tobacco use in the state.