Sen. Sue Sosnowski

Extends reporting and expiration dates of commission studying RI's Healthcare Workforce Relating to Educating and Retaining Primary Care Physicians and a Medical School at URI from January 2, 2026, to March 1, 2026, and expires on June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2008) expressing condolences to the family of Ashbel Tingley Wall II, former Director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, following his passing. It honors his 30+ year career in corrections, including his leadership as the state's longest-serving Corrections Director and his initiatives like medication-assisted treatment programs and inmate service dog training. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on January 8, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 2005) expressing condolences for Arthur Armand Coia, a former president of the Laborers International Union (LIUNA), following his passing. The resolution honors his life, career in labor advocacy, family, and community contributions through its detailed "WHEREAS" statements. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his family. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes, solely serving as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2004) expressing condolences to the family of David R. Carlin, Jr., a former Rhode Island State Senate Majority Leader and longtime public servant. The resolution honors his career as an educator, state senator, author, and community leader, including his service as Senate Majority Leader (1988-1990) and his 40+ years teaching at the Community College of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Maureen Carlin. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group.

Maddy summarySR 2009 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate expressing condolences to the family of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, mother of three, and poet, following her death. The resolution urges the FBI to conduct a full investigation into her passing and extends sympathy to all who mourn her loss. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes her life and calls for transparency in the circumstances of her death. The resolution was unanimously approved by the Senate on January 8, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2007) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences on the passing of Edward Catone, Jr., a Pawtucket resident and former Superintendent of Sewers & Sanitation. It honors his 65-year marriage, 25 years of public service, and his military service in the U.S. Air Force. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his sons, Edward R. Catone and Marc Catone. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or funding changes.

Makes it an unfair claims practice for insurer to designate a motor vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair motor vehicle to its pre-accident condition is less than 85% of the fair market value.

Maddy summarySB 168, the Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025, prevents insurance companies from requiring prior approval (where patients or doctors must get insurance permission before a service) for any medical service ordered by an in-network primary care provider. This means patients can receive care recommended by their primary care doctor without waiting for insurance review, directly affecting patients, primary care providers, and insurers. The key provision prohibits insurers from imposing prior authorization for these services, streamlining access to care. The bill applies to all health insurance plans operating in Rhode Island, removing a common administrative barrier for routine primary care referrals.

Maddy summarySB 610 strengthens consumer protections for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance policies in the state. It prohibits insurers from excluding benefits for preexisting conditions after a 6-month waiting period and bans policies that duplicate Medicare coverage. The bill guarantees beneficiaries (including those under 65 with disabilities) access to Plan A policies without medical underwriting or health-based eligibility checks during specific enrollment periods. It also requires the insurance commissioner to establish standards for policy terms, premium rates, and claims practices to ensure fairness and transparency.

Provides additional exception to prohibition on usage of wireless communication device while driving and clarifies that use for purpose of navigation must be while the device is mounted or otherwise affixed to vehicle and not held in the motorist's hand.