JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO COMPLETE THE INITIAL PHASE OF HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL'S NEW HEADQUARTERS (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to Higher Ground International to support their new headquarters located in Providence.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,380,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE FOR THE OPERATION OF A STATE POLICE RECRUIT TRAINING ACADEMY (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $1,380,000 to the Rhode Island State Police for the operation of a State Police recruit training academy.)
Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to 1 per year unless fraud or misrepresentation is reasonably suspected. The Rhode Island attorney would have the authority to impose sanctions for violations.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Requires that any insurance contract issued, amended or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, that provides hospital, medical or surgical coverage shall provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health or substance use disorders.
Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.
Establishes a second avenue of qualification as an optician, to include successfully completing an apprenticeship program of not less than 4,100 hours in not less than 2 years. The act would also remove the standard of "good moral character."
Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and helps control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).
Grants a right of first offer to qualified nonprofits for the purchase of certain multi-family residential properties at market prices, within a reasonable period of time to promote the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing.
Establishes criteria for the criminal offense of sexual assault when the victim is in the custody of a peace officer and also provides that a person convicted of custodial sexual assault would face imprisonment for not more than three (3) years.
Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of ยง 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.
Prohibits any employer from denying any person employment based on a prior criminal conviction and prohibits state from disqualifying any person from any occupation for which a license is required based on a prior conviction.