STATE HOUSE — Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a wide range of legislation this week, from education funding and housing policy to health care and public safety.
The Senate approved a bill from Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III that would reduce the residency requirement for in-state college tuition from three years to one. The proposal now heads to the House, where companion legislation has been introduced.
Lawmakers also passed a measure sponsored by Sen. Todd M. Patalano clarifying restrictions that keep registered sex offenders at least 300 feet from schools. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
In health care, the Senate approved legislation from Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa banning “spread pricing” in Medicaid plans — a practice where pharmacy benefit managers charge more than they reimburse pharmacies and keep the difference. Another bill from Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon would eliminate prior authorization requirements for certain antipsychotic and anticonvulsant medications under Medicaid.
Voting rights also took center stage as Senate President Valarie J. Lawson and House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian joined advocates to push for a Rhode Island Voting Rights Act aimed at preventing discrimination in elections.
Education leaders unveiled a sweeping proposal to overhaul how public schools are funded. The bill, introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara and Sen. Hanna M. Gallo, would create a more transparent and needs-based funding formula.
Other proposals include legislation to curb private equity ownership of housing, led by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman and Rep. Michelle McGaw, and a bill from Sen. Victoria Gu and Rep. Lauren H. Carson to strengthen identity theft protections.
Lawmakers also highlighted proposals to address children’s exposure to harmful content online and to combat reckless driving through speed-limiting technology.
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