Sen. Bridget Valverde

Increases the minimum wage amount for any person committed to the adult correctional institution from $3.00 to $5.00 a day for every day the person shall labor.

Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.

Commencing January 1, 2027, this act would increase the minimum wage for employees receiving gratuities, from the current three dollars and eighty-nine cents ($3.89) to six dollars and seventy-five cents ($6.75) per hour.

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.

Prohibits health insurance companies or other payors from including in physician participation agreements any provisions that restrict or prevent a physician from charging patients reasonable administrative or operational fees to support overhead.

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.

Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2447 creates a tax credit for businesses and organizations that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe to eat but not sold due to appearance or other factors) to nonprofits serving the needy. Eligible taxpayers - including restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals - can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 per year. To qualify, donations must go to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide food to people in need, and nonprofits must provide a certificate confirming the donation meets safety standards. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of state law and takes effect January 1, 2027.