WOONSOCKET, RI – During an event at Thundermist Health Center on June 27th, Governor Dan McKee signed three bills into law that support reproductive health care and those who identify as LGBTQ+ in Rhode Island. The new laws now provide legal shielding for healthcare providers administering gender-affirming or reproductive care; eliminate pre-authorization for HIV prescriptions; and outline the process in which a person can legally change their name in the city of town where they live.

The Governor was joined by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, bill sponsors Senator Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13), Senator Tiara Mack (D-Dist. 6), Senator Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24), and Representative Robert Craven, Sr. (D-Dist. 32), Woonsocket Mayor Chris Beauchamp, as well as community partners at Thundermist Health Center of Woonsocket for the signing.

“Rhode Island should be seen as a safe place where you can freely be who you are, and these important pieces of legislation are another example of how Rhode Island is reaffirming its commitment to supporting reproductive rights and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m thankful for the diligent work of our partners in the General Assembly and the bill sponsors whose tireless efforts have helped make our state a welcoming place for all people.”  

The first bill (7577A/2262B), sponsored by Senator Euer and Representative John Edwards (D-Dist. 70) provides Rhode Island health care providers with a protective legal shield for helping people seek access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services. This shield prevents civil or criminal action against Rhode Island providers by other states or people.  

“As more states have banned established, best-practice medical care, particularly care involving reproductive and transgender health, some states have not been content to stop at their own borders and are targeting health care providers who provide this care in states where it is legal, including Rhode Island,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Euer. “As a Rhode Island state legislator, I want to make sure we are preserving our right and our ability to regulate our health care providers and to protect them so they can continue to provide essential, standard-of-care health care to all Rhode Islanders.” 

“Many of the providers are family medicine doctors and other primary care providers, including nurse practitioners who provide a wide array of essential health care to the general population all across our state,” said Representative Edwards. “This bill takes a common-sense approach to protect Rhode Island health care infrastructure, our providers and our patients. It makes it clear that access to reproductive health care and essential medical care for transgender people are legal rights in Rhode Island.” 

The second bill (7625A/2255A), sponsored by Senator Murray and Representative Rebecca Kislak (D-Dist. 4), eliminates prior authorization or step therapy requirement any HIV prevention drug prescriptions. The law also prohibits requiring any copayment or deductible to obtain the prescription covered by the contract, plan, or policy. 

“We know that PrEP and PEP are up to 99% effective at preventing transmission of HIV when taken as directed and have been one of the most effective tools to prevent transmission globally,” said Senator Murray. “This is why there is such a critical need to ensure no-cost, swift access. Otherwise, we risk sacrificing the progress made in combating the HIV epidemic over the past 30 years. This bill helps to ensure people who are at high risk for HIV can access the preventive care they need to remain HIV negative and live full and healthy lives.” 

“This legislation is an important step forward in preventive care and will make sure that no one faces roadblocks to protecting themselves from HIV,” said Representative Kislak. “PrEP and PEP are incredible tools that are saving lives from a virus that devastated a generation, and the critical importance of access to them cannot be overstated. Prevention is the key to making sure we never move backward in the fight against HIV.” 

The third bill (8155A/2667A), sponsored by Senator Mack and Representative Craven, outlines the process for a person to petition 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. 

“This update in the law will provide a more inclusive and easier process for Rhode Island’s residents who wish to change their name. The bill will also offer better protection for individuals who seek to change their name due to safety or other concerns,” said Senator Mack. “Nationwide attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have left many communities with little hope for state legislatures to produce bills that protect rather than harm. As our society continues to evolve to a more inclusive and diverse whole, we must update our laws to reflect these changes and show solidarity for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, which this piece of legislation does.” 

“If an individual wishes to change their name, it should be an easy and simple process and not an overly complicated endeavor,” said Representative Craven. “This legislation will help relieve anxiety for applicants while also embracing an inclusive approach to support Rhode Island’s diverse population, including protections for those who may be harassed or persecuted for their gender or sexual identities and victims of domestic violence.” 

All laws are effective upon passage.