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SB 824

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM AND GENDER AFFIRMING CARE HEALTH DATA PRIVACY ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill restricts health data collection and sharing for reproductive and gender-affirming care to shield patients from out-of-state legal prosecution.

05/13/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 824

Legislative bill overview

SB 824 establishes health data privacy protections specifically for individuals seeking reproductive health services and gender-affirming medical care in Rhode Island. The bill creates restrictions on how healthcare providers and insurers can collect, use, share, and retain health information related to these services, with particular focus on preventing data disclosure to out-of-state authorities.

Why is this important

This bill addresses concerns that individuals traveling across state lines for reproductive or gender-affirming care could face legal liability in states where these services are restricted or criminalized. The measure attempts to create a privacy shield for Rhode Island residents and those accessing care in the state, reflecting a growing tension between states with different healthcare policies and enforcement approaches.

Potential points of contention

  • Interstate jurisdiction limits: Questions about whether a state can legally prevent disclosure of health records to federal authorities or other states investigating potential violations of their own laws
  • Insurance company compliance: Insurance companies operate across multiple states and may face conflicting legal obligations between Rhode Island's privacy requirements and other states' legal demands
  • Scope and enforcement: Disagreement over which entities are covered, what penalties apply to violations, and how aggressively the law would be enforced against non-compliant healthcare providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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