Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.
Sen. Pam Lauria
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2266 bans landlords and property managers from using computer programs (including AI tools) that rely on secret rental data from other landlords or tenants to set or adjust rent for residential properties. It specifically prohibits algorithms using nonpublic competitor data - like actual rent prices, occupancy rates, or lease details - to determine rent amounts or changes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with limited exemptions for housing programs, monthly market reports, and basic internal record-keeping systems. It directly affects residential landlords who currently use such tools to price rentals.
Maddy summarySB 2620 sets the state's minimum wage at $20.00 per hour effective January 1, 2027, as part of a scheduled annual increase. This bill directly affects all covered hourly workers and employers subject to the state's minimum wage law. The legislation amends existing law by adding the 2027 rate to the established schedule, which previously set lower rates for prior years (e.g., $16.00 effective January 1, 2026). It does not include additional provisions beyond establishing this specific wage rate.
Maddy summarySB 2184 removes the registration and plate transfer fee for vehicles displaying a Distinguished Service Cross license plate. This change directly affects veterans who have received the Distinguished Service Cross, the military's second-highest decoration for extraordinary heroism. The bill modifies the state's vehicle registration system by eliminating the standard fee that would otherwise apply when registering a vehicle or transferring this specific plate. This is a targeted administrative adjustment to reduce costs for eligible veterans using the special license plate.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 6, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" in Rhode Island to honor the role of critical thinking and scientific inquiry in solving societal challenges. The bill encourages citizens to observe the day by focusing on reason and free inquiry while citing historical figures like James Madison who valued knowledge. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specific individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" throughout Rhode Island. The measure directly affects the approximately 21,000 public school teachers, administrators, and staff employed across the state's cities and towns. By formally proclaiming this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to publicly acknowledge the contributions of educators to student development and community life. The Secretary of State is authorized to send certified copies of this declaration to the leaders of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association of Rhode Island.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.
Appropriates two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000) to fund the primary care training sites program to provide training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants within the department of health.
Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2465) urges the U.S. Congress to protect Medicare beneficiaries and traditional Medicare from issues with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It highlights that 54% of Medicare enrollees are in MA plans, which often cost more when serious illness occurs, have narrower provider networks, and use practices like "cherry-picking" healthy enrollees to boost profits. The resolution specifically calls for federal action requiring MA transparency, stricter marketing rules, and banning profit-driven tactics such as upcoding or denying necessary care. It directly affects all Medicare beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups disproportionately enrolled in MA plans.