HB 7190 requires health insurers in Rhode Island to disclose how they use artificial intelligence (AI) to manage healthcare claims and coverage decisions. Insurers must report AI models, training data, performance metrics, and documentation of AI-influenced decisions to state regulators, and maintain records for five years. Crucially, the bill mandates that any AI-driven denial of medically necessary care must be reviewed and approved by a licensed healthcare provider with the same specialty as the ordering provider before finalization. This directly affects insurers, enrollees (patients), and healthcare providers by adding human oversight to AI decisions on coverage. The law aims to ensure transparency and accountability in AI use for non-administrative coverage decisions, such as denials of medically necessary treatments.
Establishes a statewide broadband community outreach coordinator to assist state residents interested in learning more and/or applying for, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.
SB 2341 allows eligible disabled voters and military members (covered by federal law) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. It updates election rules to let voters submit Federal Post Card Applications via email to the Secretary of State, with ballots transmitted through a secure system meeting federal cybersecurity standards (NIST guidelines and independent security reviews). This continues a 2022 program that lets qualifying voters avoid mailing physical ballots. The bill specifically applies to disabled voters who face undue hardship voting in person and military personnel serving outside their state.
HB 7417 requires every public school in Rhode Island (including charter and vocational schools) to have a dedicated library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates specific library resources like book collections, technology, and daily student access, with staffing requirements phased in: full-time librarians for schools of 250+ students immediately, high schools by 2026-27, and all K-12 schools by 2030-31. The bill directs the education commissioner to enforce these standards, ensuring consistent library access and qualified staff. This legislation applies to all public schools and is pending passage.
Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.
SB 2014 requires Rhode Island internet service providers (ISPs) to regularly submit detailed data about broadband speeds, technology types, and coverage areas to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. This data will be used to create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map identifying underserved or unserved communities. The map aims to guide infrastructure investments, support policy decisions, and help providers expand services in areas with limited access. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on January 13, 2026, at the sponsor’s request.
Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.
HB 7233 automatically registers Rhode Islanders to vote when they apply for or renew a hunting or fishing license, directly affecting license applicants. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to offer voter registration forms simultaneously with license applications, allowing applicants to opt in or decline while keeping registration decisions confidential. Completed forms must be transmitted electronically to the state voter system within 24 hours, with privacy protections for those who decline registration or provide license details. The law aligns with federal voter registration standards and mirrors existing automatic registration processes at motor vehicle offices.
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Requires DOA provide inventory of all state agencies using artificial intelligence (AI); establishes a 13 member permanent commission to monitor the use of AI in state government and makes recommendations for state government policy and other decisions.
Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.
