Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.
Requires the state and private health insurers to reimburse claims for healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the same amount as the reimbursement paid to a physician performing the service in the area served.
Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.
Requires the EOHHS to amend the state Medicaid plan and secure sufficient state general revenue to increase Medicaid payment rates to an amount equal to one hundred thirty percent (130%) of Medicare rates for outpatient clinical pediatric services.
Maddy summaryRhode Island's SB 2608, the "Rhode Island Community Protection Act," prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during public interactions while performing official duties, except for specific safety or operational exceptions (like health emergencies, SWAT operations, or fire rescues). The bill directly affects all state, local, and federal law enforcement officers interacting with the public in Rhode Island. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to one year in jail or $1,000 fines) and civil liability for victims, including minimum $10,000 damages for intentional misconduct. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Prohibits state and municipal officials or body from entering into and renewing any agreements that will be used to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations.
Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers would be required to report utilization and cost data annually and certain limited benefit policies would be exempt.
Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It would also prohibit requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 4, 2026, as Rhode Island Independence Day to mark the 250th anniversary of the state's historic Act of Renunciation. The bill recognizes the General Assembly's 1776 decision to reject allegiance to the British Crown as a unique act of defiance that preceded the national Declaration of Independence. By passing this measure, the Senate directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor and the state's congressional delegation. The text serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of Rhode Island's role in the American Revolution rather than establishing new laws or changing government procedures.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States and honors the contributions of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to YMCA leadership as a gesture of appreciation for their community work.
