Establishes enforcement limitations on contract terms for the licensing of electronic books or digital audiobooks to libraries to preclude the library from being subject to unfair sales practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Rhode Island General Assembly to officially withdraw its 1861 ratification of the Corwin Amendment, a proposed constitutional change that would have prevented Congress from abolishing slavery. The Corwin Amendment was never fully adopted by enough states to become part of the U.S. Constitution, but this measure removes Rhode Island's historical approval from the record. By rescinding this past action, the state ensures its stance does not contribute to the amendment's potential future ratification, even though the amendment's original purpose is now considered obsolete. The resolution requires sending a certified copy to federal officials and members of Congress for official documentation.
Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.
Requires that reimbursement rates for certified mobile response and stabilization services be equal to or greater than the prevailing integrated state Medicaid rate for mobile response and stabilizations services.
Maddy summarySB 2605 creates a new Rhode Island civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue federal officials or entities acting "under color of federal law" for violating constitutional rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. It directly affects Rhode Island residents harmed by federal actions that deprive them of constitutional rights, such as due process or equal protection. Key provisions remove state immunity defenses (including sovereign immunity) and require courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, while setting a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims. The bill does not impose new federal duties but enables state courts to address federal constitutional violations through civil lawsuits. It is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee after introduction on February 13, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2678 increases the monthly minimum retirement benefit paid to spouses, domestic partners, and former spouses of retired teachers. This change directly affects individuals who receive survivor benefits under the teachers' retirement system. The bill raises the minimum monthly payment amount without altering other retirement eligibility rules. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.
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.
Maddy summarySB 2197 requires mental health professionals (such as licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers) to obtain specific written consent before using artificial intelligence for administrative tasks like scheduling or record-keeping. The bill bans AI tools designed to simulate emotional bonds or make therapeutic decisions during client sessions, including those used with recorded therapy. It prohibits AI from directly interacting with clients or replacing human judgment in treatment, while allowing limited AI use for non-therapeutic support under strict oversight. The law applies to all licensed mental health providers offering therapy or psychotherapy services in the state.
Maddy summarySB 2432 would require Rhode Island's public colleges (URI, RIC, CCRI) to automatically admit qualifying residents who earned an Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), provided they meet basic application requirements like submitting required documents. It does not guarantee admission to competitive programs like nursing or engineering, nor does it affect tuition costs or residency rules. Institutions must verify awards through official documentation, and admission remains subject to meeting all non-academic application steps. The bill takes effect for Fall 2026 applications and applies only to state residents.
