Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summarySB 266 temporarily removes the requirement for clinical social workers to pass a standardized exam to obtain a license, effective immediately until August 15, 2025. This directly affects new applicants seeking clinical social worker licensure in Rhode Island. The bill also directs the licensing board to develop language accommodations and alternative qualification pathways to improve access for diverse communities. After August 15, 2025, the previous exam requirement will resume unless further action is taken.

Amends the types of products which pharmacists may prescribe as substitute drugs or products to include "devices and supplies" and "therapeutically equivalent drugs and pharmaceuticals".

Maddy summarySB 98 provides property tax relief for specific groups in Rhode Island, including veterans of qualifying military service (from the Civil War through the Gulf War), gold star parents (parents of fallen service members), visually impaired individuals, and seniors. The bill establishes a base $1,000 property tax exemption for eligible residents, with municipalities allowed to set higher limits (e.g., up to $40,500 in Westerly or $36,450 in New Shoreham). Tax credits or exemptions apply to real property and, in some towns, motor vehicles, with eligibility requiring honorable discharge and state residency. The law, signed by the governor on June 24, 2025, modifies existing tax exemption provisions across all Rhode Island municipalities.

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

Maddy summarySB 347 creates a limited license for foreign-trained physicians in Rhode Island who meet specific criteria. It allows doctors who graduated from medical schools outside the U.S. and completed accredited residency training abroad to practice under supervision, provided they hold ECFMG certification, have at least three years of unrestricted practice in another country, and complete a board-approved training program. This license requires ongoing evaluation through a participating healthcare facility and excludes physicians who completed U.S. or Canadian residency training. The bill directly affects internationally-trained doctors seeking to practice in Rhode Island while ensuring patient safety through structured oversight.

Maddy summarySB 324 requires Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management to create a public education program teaching residents and businesses how to properly recycle textiles like clothing, bedding, and fabric. Starting January 1, 2028, private companies collecting textiles must report annual recycling volumes to the state. The program will include an online directory and may offer recycling assistance to help reduce textile waste. This policy aims to decrease landfill use by improving recycling practices, addressing the current annual waste of approximately 28,860 tons of textiles.

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a ninety-day (90) supply may be dispensed at any one time.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to fund the Thundermist family medicine residency program during fiscal year 2026 and every fiscal year thereafter.