Sen. Stefano Famiglietti

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that auto insurance policies issued in the state must include uninsured motorist coverage, protecting drivers when they are hit by vehicles with no insurance or insufficient coverage. While bodily injury protection is required for all policies, property damage coverage remains optional unless the driver already has collision insurance. The legislation sets specific minimum limits for bodily injury, establishes a $200 deductible for property damage claims, and clarifies that the term "uninsured motorist" also includes underinsured drivers.

Removes the intent requirement relative to the definitions of "abuse" within the chapter on "abuse in healthcare facilities" and amends the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect" with regard to elderly affairs by deleting the element of willful conduct.

Requires that insurance policies for property damage, personal injuries, and indemnification other than payment of compensation for workers compensation, state policy limits and no amount of the policy may be used to pay costs to defend a claim.

Provides that for purposes of all civil actions, the fair and reasonable charge for certain medical and dental services is the amount billed by the licensed healthcare provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal the collateral source rule specifically for medical malpractice cases. Currently, this rule allows defendants to introduce evidence showing that a patient has received or will receive benefits from sources like health insurance or workers' compensation, which can then be used to reduce the damages awarded by a jury. If passed, the law would no longer permit defendants to present this financial information to the jury, thereby preventing any reduction of the final damage award based on those external payments. The change would directly affect licensed physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who currently rely on this rule during litigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to allow plaintiffs in civil lawsuits to seek punitive damages if a defendant engages in willful, wanton, or reckless conduct that disregards the safety and welfare of others. The legislation defines such conduct as actions where the defendant knew or should have known the behavior was dangerous, yet proceeded heedlessly without regard for the rights or safety of people who might be harmed. Directly affecting individuals involved in civil cases, the measure would enable courts to award additional financial penalties beyond standard compensation when evidence proves the defendant's behavior met these specific criteria. The changes would become effective immediately upon the bill's passage.

Requires any contractor performing construction or maintenance for RIDOT, RITBA or any other construction on any state roads have in place an attenuator truck/crash truck with an operational camera.

Includes the governor's commission on disabilities in the decision making process for the disability parking enforcement enhancement program and requires an annual report be submitted to the governor's commission.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as "School Library Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The bill aims to draw public attention to the vital role school librarians play in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship among students. It does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage citizens to recognize the value of school libraries. Upon passage, the Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the School Librarians of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Library Association.

Requires anyone engaged in the sale of goods or services, and who offers a discount to its customers’ for utilizing automatic payment systems, via ACH or EFT or similar payment systems, provide the same discount to any person who is sixty-five (65).