Sen. Jake Bissaillon

Maddy summarySR 2377 is a joint resolution appropriating $200,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the Rhode Island Free Clinic. This funding directly helps the clinic provide free medical care and preventive services to uninsured adults who cannot afford healthcare, while also supporting its role as a training site for healthcare students. The resolution authorizes the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation, ensuring the clinic can continue its mission of serving vulnerable residents. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2335) designates January 27, 2026, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day" to highlight the state's growing food insecurity crisis. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by formally recognizing that 34% of households (with significantly higher rates among Black, Latino, and other communities of color) struggle to meet basic food needs, as documented in the 2026 Hunger Status Report. The resolution has no new funding or policy changes; it simply calls for public awareness on this issue and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Governor for official recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $2,000,000 from the state treasury for the Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit serving food-insecure families across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley. The funding supports the organization's existing operations, including providing meals and necessities to vulnerable communities, with specific programs for children, veterans, and families. The Elisha Project has previously served over 20 million meals, and this resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse the funds upon verified requests. It directly affects the Elisha Project's ability to expand services as food insecurity needs grow, without creating new policy or altering existing programs.

Classifies, research, intent and interest in healthcare services as protected healthcare data. Adds responsibilities for regulated entities that seek to collect and share consumer data including a requirement for specific and conspicuous consumer consent.

Maddy summarySB 2152 requires all public bodies (such as city councils, school boards, and county commissions) to provide translation services for every open meeting they hold. This bill directly affects non-English speaking residents who attend or wish to participate in these public proceedings. The key provision mandates that translation services must be offered for all meetings, not just specific ones, to ensure accessibility. The bill was introduced on January 16, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2070) formally honors Kathy Nadeau upon her retirement after 33 years of public service with the State of Rhode Island, including her role as RIPTA's Chief of Human Resources. It recognizes her work modernizing HR operations, addressing bus driver shortages through training and wage initiatives, and serving on the Joint Pension Board. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Nadeau. Passed by the Senate on January 15, 2026, it commemorates her career without creating new laws or affecting any stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 2072), not a policy bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Thomas E. Hodge, a longtime Pawtucket resident and public servant. The resolution honors his 29 years on the Pawtucket City Council, his service as a state representative, and his community roles. The Senate directed the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. No new laws or policies are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a law) designating January 2026 as "Rhode Island Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month." It formally recognizes the issue through a symbolic observance, directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the President, Rhode Island Governor, and UN Secretary-General. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or organizations. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors victims Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, who died in the December 2025 Brown University shooting, and commends first responders including Providence firefighters, police, and medical staff for their actions during the incident. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the tragedy and the bravery of those who assisted victims. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on January 6, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the victims' families and relevant officials. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on future legislation or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1132 exempts the real and personal property of the Rhode Island Business Development Institute (located at 220 Smith Street, Providence) from property taxation. This is a targeted amendment to Rhode Island's existing exemption list, adding the Institute's property as a specific exempt category under Section 44-3-3 of the General Laws. The bill does not change general tax rules but creates a new, limited exemption for this single organization's property. It directly affects the Rhode Island Business Development Institute by removing its property tax obligation for that specific location. The exemption applies to both the building and any personal property held there.