Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.
Establishes the Rhode Island education funding and accountability act, which would include a totally revised and revamped formula for funding all levels of public education in Rhode Island.
Creates commission to study medical malpractice issues relating to lawsuits, claims, settlements, filings and related impact on insurance costs for providers with report due 10/1/27 and expiration on 1/31/28.
Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.
Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Maddy summarySB 2248 creates a new income-based discount program for low-income households to make home energy costs affordable. It requires large electric and gas utilities (over 100,000 customers) to design a tiered discount plan by 2027, capping energy costs at 3-6% of household income depending on whether electric or gas is the primary heat source. Eligible households (at or below 150% of the federal poverty level) would receive fixed monthly discounts, with past bill arrears forgiven over 24 months. The program’s costs, including administration, would be covered through rate increases for other utility customers, as determined by the Public Utilities Commission.
Maddy summarySB 2393 requires individuals making public records requests to provide their name and a valid mailing or email address to verify identity and enable communication. This change prohibits anonymous requests and ensures public bodies can properly respond to inquiries. The bill does not alter which records are public or impose new restrictions on record access, only establishing a minimum identification requirement for requesters.
Maddy summarySB 2530 requires all No. 2 distillate heating oil sold in the state for residential, commercial, or industrial use to contain increasing minimum percentages of bio-based products over time. It directly affects heating oil sellers and distributors, mandating specific compliance dates: starting at 2% in 2014, rising to 5% by 2021, and reaching 50% by 2035. The bill sets a phased schedule with annual or biennial increases, requiring adherence to B5, B10, B20, and B50 biodiesel blend standards by specified dates. This establishes concrete, time-bound requirements for heating oil composition without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.
Maddy summarySB 2694 prevents state fees for home modifications required to accommodate a veteran's disability, directly benefiting disabled veterans needing accessibility changes. The bill amends the state building code to prohibit local governments or agencies from charging fees for these specific modifications, such as installing ramps or grab bars. It applies to modifications mandated by a veteran's disability, ensuring no additional costs for essential accessibility improvements. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee, with no further action taken yet.
Provides that motor vehicle rental companies be entitled to establish non-liability for toll violations, administrative fees, and fines by providing a rental or lease agreement as prima facie evidence that a lessee was the vehicle operator.
