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.)
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.
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.
Requires single-family residential zoning in municipalities with populations of over 40,000 to allow middle housing and mandates that those municipalities adopt zoning regulations for middle housing.
Restructures RI Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increase its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocate the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.
Requires landlords to list all mandatory fees when advertising any residential property for rent as well as on the first page of any lease. Prohibits a landlord from charging a convenience fee when the tenant pays rent.
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.
Provides that individuals that are currently, or have been, incarcerated, or are on probation or parole, may exercise their rights to free political speech and participation in the political process without retaliation by the department of corrections.
Outlines the process for a person petitioning to change their name in the probate court in the town or city where they reside. It also makes the statute regarding name change gender neutral.