Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySB 887 ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and federally funded activities, even if federal law changes. It requires the state to maintain all existing disability protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if that federal law is repealed or invalidated by a court or federal action. The law automatically reverts to the state’s prior legal standards for disability rights as of the day before any federal change takes effect. This directly affects all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state funding or operating under state regulation.

Maddy summarySB 487 prohibits all licensed healthcare facilities (such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes) from asking patients about their legal immigration status or requiring proof of U.S. residency. This applies to every patient regardless of their immigration status, ensuring that facilities cannot deny care or ask for such information during treatment. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add a clear standard (section 19) explicitly banning these questions, with no exceptions for facility staff or billing processes. It takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, which occurred on July 1, 2025. This policy change directly protects patients’ privacy and access to care without altering other healthcare services or billing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1092 requires Rhode Island towns and cities to allow residential options beyond single-family homes in areas with available public water and sewer capacity, specifically within designated urban service boundaries on state planning maps. The bill amends zoning ordinance standards to explicitly include "non-single-family residential use" as a required consideration for municipalities. This change applies only to neighborhoods meeting infrastructure conditions, aiming to expand housing diversity without mandating new construction. Municipalities must integrate this requirement into their zoning plans for eligible areas.

Requires the department of health to incorporate information about dementia risk factors and reduction into public education and healthcare provider education materials.

Amends the definition of “hobby breeder” to limit the sale or offering for sale to no more than two (2) litters of dogs or cats, or a combination thereof, in a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day period.

Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to one per year unless fraud or misrepresentation is reasonably suspected. The RI attorney general has the authority to impose sanctions for violations.

Maddy summarySB 476 removes a 3-month supply limit for initial contraceptive prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists in Rhode Island. This change directly affects patients seeking first-time hormonal contraceptive access through pharmacies, allowing pharmacists to prescribe longer initial supplies. The bill also requires pharmacists to complete specific training, provide patient risk assessments, and notify primary care providers, while maintaining insurance coverage requirements for these contraceptives. The law took effect on June 30, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Extends coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome by removing the sunset date of December 31, 2025, and mandating such coverage.

Maddy summarySB 716 establishes a formal process for local governments and private entities to modify parking near public shoreline access areas in Rhode Island. It requires detailed plans showing how changes won’t reduce access, especially for people with disabilities (meeting ADA standards), and mandates a 30-day public comment period before approval. Entities that skip these steps face fines up to $5,000 per day, with penalty funds going to a new "shoreline access improvement fund" for public access projects. The bill directly affects towns, businesses, and organizations managing coastal parking while ensuring compliance with state laws and accessibility requirements.

Establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health to provide guidance and recommendations to educate healthcare providers and the citizens of the state.