Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

Maddy summarySB 2467 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. This directly affects patients seeking these specific treatments through in-network providers, removing a common administrative barrier. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and aligns with existing requirements ensuring mental health coverage is treated equally to physical health coverage under insurance plans. It does not apply to out-of-network services or change other coverage rules like cost-sharing parity.

Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Rhode Island's cannabis regulations by removing the requirement to express cannabinoid levels as dry-weight percentages. The change directly affects cannabis businesses, including cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers, who currently must label products using this specific measurement method. By allowing the cannabis control commission to determine the form and manner for expressing cannabinoid amounts, the bill gives regulators more flexibility in how product potency is reported and tested. This adjustment aims to modernize the state's cannabis framework without altering the core legal requirements for cannabis businesses.

Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Rhode Island Cannabis Act to remove the requirement for the state's cannabis advisory board to maintain five specific subcommittees. The legislation directly affects the structure of the advisory board, which advises the state cannabis control commission on regulations, policies, and the distribution of social equity funds. By eliminating these subcommittees, the bill gives the board chair more flexibility to organize work as needed rather than being mandated to operate through these specific groups. The change does not alter the board's overall membership, responsibilities, or role in guiding the state's cannabis program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Miranda Marie Musumeci for being named Miss Ireland in the West Warwick St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026. The bill recognizes her contributions to Irish heritage and community service, highlighting her involvement in various school and community activities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Musumeci as formal acknowledgment of her achievement. This is a ceremonial measure that does not create new laws or policy changes.

Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.

Permits students diagnosed with asthma, a condition that may lead to bronchospasm or anaphylaxis, or both, to carry and self-administer asthma medication or auto-injectable or intranasal epinephrine, or both.

Requires the department of health to implement a tobacco control program that incorporates evidence-based best practices for tobacco prevention and cessation to prevent tobacco-related diseases and diminish tobacco use in the state.