Provides that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education directs all local education agencies to select one of the identified high-quality curricula and materials for science and technology no later than June 30, 2026.
Requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and would require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.
Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.
Requires hotel employees and short-term rental property operators to annually receive human trafficking awareness training. The operator of the premises shall maintain records of the completed training.
Maddy summarySB 626 requires Rhode Island municipalities to maintain and update a current list of rights-of-way (access paths) to tidal areas designated by the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This applies directly to all cities and towns in the state, mandating they keep these records accurate and accessible. The bill's key mechanism is a new administrative duty for local governments to document and regularly revise these tidal access points. It does not alter CRMC's existing planning or management powers but adds a specific local record-keeping requirement. The law focuses on improving transparency and coordination for coastal resource management.
Maddy summarySB 347 creates a limited license for foreign-trained physicians in Rhode Island who meet specific criteria. It allows doctors who graduated from medical schools outside the U.S. and completed accredited residency training abroad to practice under supervision, provided they hold ECFMG certification, have at least three years of unrestricted practice in another country, and complete a board-approved training program. This license requires ongoing evaluation through a participating healthcare facility and excludes physicians who completed U.S. or Canadian residency training. The bill directly affects internationally-trained doctors seeking to practice in Rhode Island while ensuring patient safety through structured oversight.
Maddy summarySB 318 establishes new procedures for Rhode Island to procure energy infrastructure, including transmission for nuclear power, large-scale hydroelectric power, and renewable resources like offshore wind. It authorizes state agencies and utilities to jointly issue competitive solicitations for regional transmission projects and natural gas pipeline capacity to improve energy reliability and security for ratepayers. The bill requires cost-benefit analyses for ratepayer impacts and mandates public utility commission review before binding commitments are made. This affects electric and gas utilities, ratepayers, and regional energy planning entities by creating a structured process for evaluating infrastructure projects.
Creates a process for licensure/oversight by DBR over the practices/procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and regulation of fees.
Maddy summarySB 771 requires all public schools to create and implement a policy restricting student access to personal electronic devices (like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) during the school day and school activities to reduce distractions and protect learning environments. The policy must include parental notification and allow exceptions for students needing assistive technology under IEPs/504 plans, medical monitoring (e.g., glucose checks), or language support for emergent multilingual learners. Schools cannot search devices retained during school hours, and the education department must provide annual guidance to help schools develop these policies. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026.
Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.
