Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed healthcare facilities to publicly disclose a comprehensive list of standard charges for all items and services they provide. Hospitals must post this information on their websites in a free, searchable digital format that includes specific pricing details such as gross charges, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates for various insurance plans. The law also mandates a separate, consumer-friendly list for shoppable services, ensuring patients can easily access cost data without needing to create accounts or provide personal information. By standardizing how price information is presented and formatted, the legislation aims to increase transparency and allow patients to compare costs across different facilities.
Sen. John Burke
Sponsored bills
Amends definition of "authorized representative" in the confidentiality of health-care communications/information act provides that an authorized representative may include any heir-at-law when the patient is deceased/the personal representative is absent
Prohibits noncompete agreements except for noncompete agreements between a seller and buyer of a business; creates civil action for an employer for the violation of an agreement by employee regarding disclosure or wrongful utilization of trade secrets.
Maddy summarySB 2322 amends state property tax laws to allow holders of a life estate to claim veteran's tax exemptions on the real property they own. This change directly affects individuals who possess a life estate in a property, enabling them to use the same tax breaks previously reserved for veterans and their unmarried widows or widowers. The bill does not create new exemptions but rather clarifies that life estate holders are eligible for the existing exemptions, which vary by municipality and can range from $1,000 to over $40,000 depending on the town. By making this adjustment, the legislation ensures that life estate owners in specific towns can reduce their property tax bills just like other qualifying veterans.
Establishes the behavioral health education, training, and coordination fund to receive the checkoff contributions from Rhode Island personal income tax returns for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing system for youth camps in Rhode Island that receive state child care assistance payments. To operate legally, these camps must meet specific standards regarding facility safety, staff qualifications, and background checks for all employees over eighteen. The law requires regular inspections by the Department of Human Services and mandates that camps keep detailed records for each camper and their guardians. Effective January 1, 2025, the legislation ensures that only camps adhering to these health and safety rules can accept state funding.
Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.
Establishes a second avenue of qualification as an optician, to include successfully completing an apprenticeship program of not less than 4,100 hours in not less than 2 years. The act would also remove the standard of "good moral character."
Provides amendments to the membership provisions of planning boards or commissions and would enable municipalities to establish "combined review boards" to replace separate planning and zoning boards.
Amends provisions relative to the application of zoning ordinances pertaining to wetland buffers to projects for development, redevelopment, construction or rehabilitation.