Sen. Val Lawson

Creates a 12 member special legislative commission whose purpose it would be to make a comprehensive study of RI medical malpractice lawsuits, claims, settlements, administrative filings and impact on medical malpractice insurance costs for providers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese American community. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state officials, the Portuguese government, and local organizations. While it does not alter laws or funding, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the cultural, economic, and historical contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state.

SNAP) EAT WELL, BE WELL REWARDS PROGRAM (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $4,800,000 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Rhode Island's existing health professional loan repayment program to include healthcare providers working in primary care settings, in addition to those serving medically underserved populations. The program offers financial assistance to repay student loans for eligible professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who commit to working in designated shortage areas or primary care facilities for at least two years. A state board will administer the program, determining eligible locations based on health professional shortage area designations and primary care provider needs, while reviewing applications and verifying applicant qualifications. The legislation aims to address staffing challenges in primary care by providing incentives to help recruit and retain healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Expands the benefit definitions of temporary care giver leave to include a grandchild and care recipient and would increase a leave benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and twelve 12 weeks for 2028.

Expands council on elementary and secondary education and board of education and makes teacher of year and student advisory chair voting members on each.

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2027, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

Eliminates the sunset on the provision of funding, modify eligibility requirement to 85% of state median income and expand funding to at least 20 hours per week.

Authorizes East Providence to issue licenses to any business seeking to engage in the business of operating a hotel, motel, inn, or boardinghouse and that the business first obtains approval from chief of police, building inspector and the mayor.