Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 385 requires large electric and gas utility companies (with over 100,000 customers) in Rhode Island to provide clearer explanations of bill charges before changing rates. It mandates that companies file detailed plans with the Public Utilities Commission showing how they will manage revenue from rate changes, including annual reconciliation of over- or under-recovered funds. The bill also requires annual infrastructure and safety spending plans, with approval needed for investments in grid reliability and energy efficiency. These changes aim to make billing more transparent for residential customers and ensure rate decisions align with system reliability goals. The law directly affects major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and sets new requirements for how they structure billing and rate proposals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 56) urges the U.S. Congress to protect Traditional Medicare and patients from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It highlights that MA plans - enrolled by 54% of Medicare beneficiaries - often cost more than Traditional Medicare, restrict provider networks, require unnecessary prior authorizations, and disproportionately enroll disadvantaged groups. The resolution specifically calls for federal action to require transparency in MA billing, regulate misleading marketing, prevent "cherry-picking" of healthy enrollees, and redirect funds from MA plans toward expanding Traditional Medicare. As a state-level resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests congressional and administrative steps to address these issues.

Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses in associations where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units

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.

Grants a right of first offer to qualified nonprofits for the purchase of certain multi-family residential properties at market prices, within a reasonable period of time to promote the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing.

Provides that licensed independent clinical social workers be able to enroll and bill Medicaid directly for covered services provided to adults with Medicaid fee-for-service coverage.

Prohibits state and municipal officials or body from entering into and renewing any agreements that will be used to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations.

Maddy summarySB 915 eliminates the $25 fee (comprising a $20 service charge and $5 transfer fee) that Rhode Island National Guard members currently pay to obtain or renew special "National Guard" vehicle plates. It directly affects active and retired members of the Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard certified by the adjutant general. The bill does not change plate design, eligibility criteria, or emergency travel privileges for National Guard members. It would make these plates free for eligible members once enacted.

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.