Rhode Island

HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE -- LONG-TERM CARE SERVICE AND FINANCE REFORM - Increases the Medicaid reimbursement rate for Tier C services in licensed assisted living residences by 13% starting January 1, 2027.

STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Mandates that the EOHHS assemble a network of equity zones where local multisector groups of nonprofits, service providers, advocates, community members, state agencies, and municipalities can address social factors of health at a local level.

COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES - Prohibits expiration dates for airline tickets and flight vouchers.

FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT - Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- INTERCHANGE FEE RESTRICTION ACT - Creates the interchange fee restriction act prohibiting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.

FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT - Amends sections of the Rhode Island cannabis act relating to the residency requirements for applicants for issuance of a license or certificate to own a cannabis establishment.

INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS - Prohibits health insurance providers from requiring preauthorization for in-network mental health or substance use disorder services.

FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND KRATOM ACT - Provides that all kratom products for sale would be stored and kept in a locked case, until sold.

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT - Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.

STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LICENSING AND MONITORING OF CHILD PLACING AGENCIES, CHILD CARING AGENCIES, FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES, AND CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS - Authorizes the department of children, youth and families to license mobile response and stabilization services (MRSS).

FOOD AND DRUGS -- COMPASSIONATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT - Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.

CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNREASONABLE NOISE LEVELS - Repeals the provisions of chapter 45.1 of title 11, regarding unreasonable noise levels.

TAXATION -- NON-OWNER OCCUPIED PROPERTY TAX ACT - Defines a seasonably-habitable non-owner occupied residence, which is not the primary residence of the taxpayer, and which would be exempt from the non-owner occupied property tax.

STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES - Increases the number of state childcare licensing inspectors to meet the national recommended average of one inspector for every fifty (50) to sixty (60) childcare providers.

INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS - Provides that for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, payors would rely upon criteria which reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage.

FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT - Bans advertising of cannabis and cannabis products on any medium that may be visible to minors.

CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT - Requires that court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault of first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated sentence upon the offender.