Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court programs as recovery court, expanding eligibility to include non-violent offenses beyond just drug-related charges. The legislation creates a new position of drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court, who will preside over adult recovery court programs that combine court authority with therapeutic treatment plans for drug-addicted defendants. Key provisions include establishing a ten-year appointment term for magistrates, defining screening criteria for program admission, and granting magistrates the power to impose incarceration for violations of court conditions. The bill also clarifies that participants must sign contracts outlining program expectations and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill officially names a specific bridge in Providence, Rhode Island, the George Nee Bridge. It directly affects the state's infrastructure by permanently assigning this name to bridge number 44-000000000007010, which carries U.S. Route 44 (Smith Street) over Interstate 95. The legislation amends existing state laws to establish this naming designation, which will take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.
Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.
Establishes a statewide mobile response and stabilization services program to provide rapid crisis response and short-term stabilization for children and youth in their natural environments.
Requires pharmacy benefit managers to apply for certificate of authority from the office of health insurance commissioner to operate such a business in this state and empowers the commissioner to oversee pharmacy benefit managers and penalize violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with the state and submit detailed annual reports about their financial relationships with insurers. It prohibits these managers from forcing pharmacies to substitute generic drugs without prescriber approval and bans them from stopping pharmacists from sharing pricing information with patients. The legislation also prevents pharmacy benefits managers from charging copayments that exceed what pharmacies are paid and mandates a clear appeals process for disputes over drug pricing. These changes directly affect pharmacy benefits managers, insurers, pharmacies, and patients who use prescription drug coverage in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.
Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provides criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good character.
Maddy summarySB 2605 creates a new Rhode Island civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue federal officials or entities acting "under color of federal law" for violating constitutional rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. It directly affects Rhode Island residents harmed by federal actions that deprive them of constitutional rights, such as due process or equal protection. Key provisions remove state immunity defenses (including sovereign immunity) and require courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, while setting a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims. The bill does not impose new federal duties but enables state courts to address federal constitutional violations through civil lawsuits. It is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee after introduction on February 13, 2026.