Sen. Sue Sosnowski

Maddy summarySB 197 prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to pay deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It directly affects individuals enrolled in group or individual health insurance plans by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for these specific exams. Diagnostic exams evaluate abnormalities found during screening or other exams, while supplemental exams screen for breast cancer in high-risk cases based on medical history. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to all health insurance plans covered under the bill's provisions.

Maddy summarySB 47 adjusts the state motor fuel tax rate every two years to account for inflation, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) from the previous two years instead of the previous year. It requires the tax administrator to calculate the adjustment based on CPI-U data from September 30 of the prior year compared to data from two years earlier, rounding to the nearest cent. This change affects fuel distributors who pay the tax, as it modifies how their tax payments are adjusted annually. The bill does not change the base tax rate of $0.32 per gallon but updates the inflation calculation method to a two-year rolling average. The adjustment would take effect upon passage, with the first change applying in 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 882) congratulating high school students and schools that won Rhode Island's 2025 ProStart® competition. It specifically honors students from William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School (Culinary and Foodservice teams) and Chariho Area Career & Technical Center (Hospitality & Tourism team), who will represent Rhode Island at the national competition. The resolution has no policy impact - it formally expresses Senate support and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the winning schools.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 883) honoring the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) for its work since 2011. It recognizes the Council's efforts to address food insecurity, promote sustainable food systems, and foster collaboration among community groups, farmers, and government agencies. The resolution formally commends the RIFPC's staff and volunteers and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with state and federal leaders. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding.

Amends powers/duties of the office of the health insurance commissioner to increase total cost of care for services reimbursed under contracts after risk adjustment that exceeds the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers percentage increase.

This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

Creates a shellfish hatchery program established by the department of environmental management to foster sustainable development and resiliency of the state's shellfish industry.

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

This act would require that a super majority of three-fifths (3/5) of the duly appointed council is required to override a recommendation by the CRMC staff.