Requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for public assistance and creates a pilot program for out of hospital service upon expiration of similar federal program.
Defines 3 classes of electric bicycles, authorizes the DEM to determine allowable uses of electric bicycles at properties under the department's jurisdiction, allows Class 1 electric bicycles to legally access state bicycle trails or paths.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Requires that healthcare entities and network plans, eff. 1/1/25, include provision in every contract with a provider of mental health/substance use disorders that rates paid pursuant to the contract would be subject to a rate increase at least annually.
Ensures that independent pharmacies are protected from pharmacy benefit discrimination toward non-affiliated pharmacies and helps protect consumers' ability to choose local, independent pharmacies.
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.
Exempts all Narragansett Indian Tribe homeowners from real estate taxes and real estate tax liens, imposed by the state or any municipality. Also declares the Tribe as the sole sovereign federally recognized Indian Tribe in Rhode Island.
Repeals sections of the Narragansett Indian Land Management Corporation Act and acknowledges the Narragansett Indian Tribe as the sole aboriginal people sovereign to the territory of what is now known as Rhode Island.
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND OFFICE OF THE POSTSECONDARY COMMISSIONER FOR THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL FOR PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner for the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $78,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RIPTA) (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $78,000,000 to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.)
Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, require a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.
Increases the amount of unpaid parental or family leave available to an employee, from thirteen (13) weeks to twenty-six (26) weeks, in any two (2) calendar years.
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.
Allows the attorney general to investigate and bring an enforcement action against persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting, or transaction of business or governmental activity.