Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.
Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.
Maddy summarySB 230 allows school administrators in Rhode Island to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a safety threat to others, not just for disruptive behavior. For students in preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional to ensure safety concerns cannot be addressed through support. The bill also mandates schools to annually review discipline data for racial, ethnic, or disability disparities and submit public reports on disciplinary actions, including use of force and referrals to law enforcement. These changes aim to clarify suspension criteria while increasing transparency around school discipline practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 252) authorizes a $2,000,000 appropriation from the state treasury to fund the Elisha Project for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit, uses these funds to combat food insecurity across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley, by providing meals and support services. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation, directly supporting the organization’s existing operations serving families, children, veterans, and communities. It is a procedural funding measure with no new policy requirements.
Gradually phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a four (4) year period for social security income, from twenty-five percent (25%) up to one hundred percent (100%), beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Charlene C. Connors, a former Cumberland elementary school teacher and community member. It formally conveys the Senate's "deepest sympathy" to her family, including her son, Senator Daniel Connors, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to them. The resolution has no policy impact or financial provisions - it serves solely as a formal expression of respect for her life and legacy.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 10) extending condolences on the passing of Saysomboun Phivilay, a Providence resident and mother of Rhode Island Senator Alan Rudolph's spouse. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's heartfelt sympathy to her husband, children, and grandchildren, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her family. It does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate on January 21, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Ruth Ann "Diamond" Madsen, a Rhode Island advocate for unhoused residents who died in December 2024. It recognizes her volunteer work with organizations like the George Wiley Center and her efforts to provide shelter, supplies, and community support to unhoused neighbors. The resolution does not create new policies but formally commemorates her legacy for her family and community groups, including Mathewson Street United Methodist Church.
Exempts the Downtown Overlay District from the provisions of this section allowing for the city of Woonsocket shall, after application, to have the authority to exempt from the provisions of this section any proposed retailers' license of any class.
Maddy summarySB 3148 amends state zoning laws to ensure that basements are no longer counted when cities and towns calculate floor area ratios for development projects. This change directly affects municipalities across Rhode Island by altering how they measure the allowable size of buildings relative to their land lots. By removing basements from these calculations, the bill allows developers to build larger structures above ground without increasing the official floor area ratio limit. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and does not impact other aspects of zoning regulations such as lot size or slope requirements.
