SB 2563 mandates an independent study by Rhode Island's auditor general to evaluate whether consolidating Medicaid prescription drug management would save costs and improve transparency. The study must compare four models used by other states, including single statewide drug lists (like Connecticut) or direct state contracting (like Kentucky), and assess impacts on state spending, pharmacy rebates, and beneficiary access. It requires full data access from pharmacy benefit managers and related entities - bypassing contractual confidentiality - to ensure the analysis uses complete information on drug expenditures and rebates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island's Medicaid program, which covers children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, by setting the stage for potential future changes to drug management.
SB 2420 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to use their state tuition assistance benefits for their dependents. Dependents enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university. The program is funded up to $100,000 annually per fiscal year, requires a one-year military service commitment for each 12 course credits used, and mandates that both the Guard member and dependent maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet service or academic requirements may trigger repayment of benefits.
Clarifies that buildings on leased land in the town of South Kingstown shall be taxed as real estate whether or not the leases are in writing or recorded.
SB 2141 increases the daily fee for jurors serving in Rhode Island's superior court from $25 to $50 per day, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects all jurors summoned for grand or petit jury duty in superior court cases. The bill also allows jurors to voluntarily donate their daily fee to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center, with donations deposited into the state general fund. The change takes effect upon passage, with annual funding to be appropriated by the General Assembly.
Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.
Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.
SB 2340 authorizes the state of Rhode Island to provide up to $18 million in financing support to assist the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island, Inc. The bill creates a debt service reserve fund or credit facility to bolster bond financing for this acquisition, ensuring the hospitals' financial viability. This support directly affects the two hospitals (which served over 110,000 annual emergency and outpatient visits) and CharterCARE as the buyer, while preserving approximately 2,700 jobs. The state’s contribution is capped at $18 million and requires annual legislative appropriations, with funds reverting to the state budget if unused.
