Sen. Bridget Valverde

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Maddy summarySB 24 prohibits the licensing of new high-heat waste facilities in Rhode Island, including incinerators, gasification plants, and advanced recycling facilities that use heat above 400°F to process waste. It directly affects developers and operators seeking to build or operate such facilities, blocking new permits and licenses. The bill defines "high-heat waste facilities" broadly to cover processes like incineration, pyrolysis, and chemical recycling of plastics or waste materials. This is a concrete policy change that would prevent new facilities from being constructed or operated, pending legislative action. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee.

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.

Requires every individual or group health insurance plan on or after January 1, 2026, that provides benefits to reimburse child service providers for therapy services offered through EOHHS certified Kids Connect/Therapeutic Services.

Establishes The Body Cameras for Correctional Facilities Act which mandates all department of corrections staff with direct supervision rolls to wear body cameras while on duty in their assigned facility.

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.

Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2026 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.

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.