Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySB 478 amends licensing rules for midwives to expand their prescribing authority for specific medications related to maternal and infant health. Certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) would be permitted to prescribe up to 51 listed medications - including antibiotics for infections, medications for hemorrhage, prenatal vitamins, vaccines, and pain management - under oversight by the Department of Health. This directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by allowing midwives to address common health needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum without requiring physician referrals for these specific treatments. The bill does not change midwives' scope for complex medical conditions but formalizes existing practices for routine care. It is pending further committee review after a recent recommendation to hold it for additional study.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends Rhode Island's Works Program to remove a waiting period for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) seeking cash assistance benefits. Previously, these individuals faced a delay before accessing benefits, even if otherwise eligible. The bill directly affects lawful permanent residents enrolled in the state's cash assistance program by allowing immediate access to benefits upon meeting other eligibility requirements. This change modifies Section 40-5.2-10(a)(2) of the General Laws, eliminating the prior waiting period requirement for this group. The policy shift focuses solely on updating eligibility rules without altering other program conditions.

Maddy summarySB 100 eliminates the sunset date for child care assistance for eligible child care educators and staff working at least 20 hours weekly in licensed facilities. This permanent change (previously set to expire July 2025) ensures ongoing funding for these workers to access child care while they work, directly affecting early childhood educators and staff providing services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill requires the department to provide this assistance without time limits, maintaining the same eligibility criteria as current programs. This policy change specifically modifies Section (k) of the Rhode Island Works Program, making a temporary provision permanent for affected child care professionals.

Maddy summarySB 551 allows animal control officers to immediately seize animals suspected of neglect or cruelty *before* criminal charges are resolved, requiring a 48-hour notice of a court hearing for permanent rehoming. If a court finds evidence of cruelty or neglect by a preponderance of the evidence, it can terminate the owner’s rights to the animal. Owners must pay reasonable care costs incurred during seizure, and the court may schedule the rehoming hearing before criminal proceedings conclude. The bill directly affects animal owners in cases of neglect, abandonment, or hazardous accumulation (overcrowded conditions), and applies to all animals except those in licensed research facilities or during legal hunting/consumption.

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments, including the right to clean and sanitary conditions and impose penalties for violations of the rights set forth in this chapter in the amount of $500 per violation.

Created the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Allows the dismissal of a teacher after the March 1 deadline if there is gross misconduct by a teacher upon a student. Also allows the notice to be given at any time and will not have any time constraints.

Maddy summarySB 91, the Building Decarbonization Act of 2024, requires owners of large commercial and residential buildings (over 25,000 square feet) to benchmark energy use and meet future emissions standards. It establishes an Environmental Justice Advisory Board to help implement these rules and mandates that new buildings be "electric-ready" to support cleaner energy use. The law applies directly to building owners of qualifying properties, including multi-unit residential complexes and commercial spaces, while excluding public facilities and federal buildings. Key provisions include standardized energy reporting, performance targets, and dedicated funding to support compliance, aiming to reduce building emissions in line with Rhode Island’s 2050 net-zero goal.

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 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.