Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summarySB 222 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacists at least the national average drug acquisition cost (based on federal CMS data) plus a standard dispensing fee, or the wholesale acquisition cost plus the fee if national data isn't available. This directly affects community pharmacies and PBMs, ensuring they receive fair payment for dispensing medications. The bill mandates PBMs to disclose financial arrangements to regulators and allows the Health Insurance Commissioner to impose civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. It aims to prevent PBMs from underpaying pharmacies, promoting fair competition in drug pricing.

Maddy summarySB 312 would rename the state holiday observed on the second Monday of August from "Victory Day" to "Peace and Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island law. The bill directly affects state employees and official state communications, as it amends the statutory list of state holidays in the General Laws. Key provisions include replacing the current holiday name in Section 25-1-1 and repealing a prior provision (Section 25-1-1.3) that prohibited using other names for the holiday. This change is purely procedural, altering the official designation without creating new policies or funding.

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. Violations would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per violation.

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Prohibits a person to sell, offer for sale, display for sale or otherwise distribute a farmed animal fur product within the state and provides graduated civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 755 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state's official music. This procedural bill directly affects state symbolism and public representation, not policy or funding. The measure would take effect immediately upon passage and requires no further legislative action beyond approval. The bill is currently pending further study after a committee hearing.

Maddy summarySB 633 requires schools in Rhode Island to report the names and reasons for terminating noncredentialled staff (like cafeteria workers or aides without teaching licenses) for valid cause to the state education department within 60 days. The department will maintain a confidential list of these terminations, updated monthly, which only school hiring authorities (not the public) can access. This applies to terminations for cause - not nonrenewals or budget cuts - and excludes licensed staff like teachers, coaches, and administrators. The list is not a public record, and the bill takes effect upon passage.

Includes the definition of "primary care services" and requires that all biennial reports shall include a review and recommendation of rates for primary care services on and after September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Rhode Island's federal delegation (Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Representatives Magaziner and Amo) to demand reversal of policies harming health programs. It specifically calls for restoring U.S. foreign aid (including PEPFAR for HIV care), ending the Mexico City Policy, unfreezing Medicaid funding, and resuming CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The resolution has no legal force but aims to influence federal policy by advocating for reinstating global health cooperation and domestic health protections. It directly targets the federal delegation's role in addressing these specific policy changes.