Sen. Alana DiMario

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who were hired as a sworn officer of the US Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025, and applies prospectively to an individual hired on or after October 1, 2026.

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's SB 2608, the "Rhode Island Community Protection Act," prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during public interactions while performing official duties, except for specific safety or operational exceptions (like health emergencies, SWAT operations, or fire rescues). The bill directly affects all state, local, and federal law enforcement officers interacting with the public in Rhode Island. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to one year in jail or $1,000 fines) and civil liability for victims, including minimum $10,000 damages for intentional misconduct. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2097 requires state agencies managing special accounts (like Medicaid funds, environmental programs, and veterans' benefits) to submit quarterly financial reports to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services starting October 1, 2026. It applies to most restricted receipt accounts but excludes specific funds such as the Rhode Island Statewide Opioid Abatement Account, HIV Care Grant Drug Rebates, and Veterans’ Home accounts. The bill aims to improve centralized oversight of state finances by standardizing reporting for these accounts. Agencies must comply unless federal law, court orders, or existing restrictions prevent it.

Maddy summarySB 2246 establishes a Rhode Island tax credit to help unpaid family caregivers offset out-of-pocket costs for caring for eligible relatives. It provides a 50% credit (up to $1,000 annually) for qualifying expenses like home modifications, medical equipment, hired aides, respite care, or adult day care, directly benefiting caregivers with household incomes under $50,000 ($100,000 for couples). To qualify, the caregiver must provide unpaid support for a relative aged 65+ or with Social Security Disability, who needs assistance with at least two daily living tasks (e.g., bathing, feeding) and resides with them in Rhode Island for six+ months. The credit applies to taxable years starting after December 31, 2026, and excludes costs covered by insurance or general home maintenance.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Enacts the RI individual market affordability act of 2026 to establish a program to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in individual health insurance coverage through the RI health benefits exchange.

Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers would be required to report utilization and cost data annually and certain limited benefit policies would be exempt.

Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.