Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySB 2567 establishes a universal single-payer healthcare system called "RICare" for all Rhode Island residents, replacing the current multi-insurer model with a publicly administered system funded through state taxes. It aims to guarantee universal access to primary and preventive care while reducing administrative costs and medical debt by consolidating payments into one system. Key provisions include creating a RICare Board, defining healthcare terms, and requiring coordination with state agencies to implement the system after securing federal approval. The bill is currently in early stages (introduced February 2026, referred to Senate Health Committee) and does not specify funding details or timelines for full implementation.

Amends various sections of law relating to campaign contributions and expenditures, including prohibitions on self-dealing with committee funds and prohibits donations made in fictitious names.

Provides that the EOHHS, through Emergency Medicaid, cover dialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease ("ESRD") and kidney transplants for RI residents who do not qualify for full Medicaid under federal law due to their immigration status.

Directs the public utilities commission to establish a standardized framework for determining authorized common equity ratios and authorized rates of returns on equity for public utilities.

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

Allows citizens of a city or town who are at least sixteen (16) years of age to register to vote and to vote in school committee elections in municipalities where school committees are elected entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a law that previously blocked Rhode Island from monitoring or regulating broadband services, removing a barrier to state oversight. It requires the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to develop a plan for a broadband oversight office to monitor service quality, map coverage gaps, and coordinate federal broadband funding. The bill is necessary to meet federal requirements for managing programs like the BEAD grant, which demand ongoing state-level tracking of broadband performance and coverage. This oversight structure will enable the state to better manage public broadband investments and address unserved areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Embryo Safety and Storage Act of 2025, establishes new regulations for facilities that store human embryos. It requires the state Department of Health to oversee and license these storage facilities to ensure they meet safety standards. The law directly impacts clinics and organizations that provide embryo storage services, as they will need to comply with the new licensing requirements. By creating a formal regulatory framework, the bill aims to standardize how embryos are handled and stored within the state.

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.