Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of social workers in the state. The measure recognizes the profession's role in addressing mental health, addiction, poverty, and social justice issues across schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It calls on citizens to support the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's executive director.

Increases the role of the DMV in the voter registration and address verification process, by establishing very specific obligations and responsibilities that must be followed before offering an individual an application to register to vote.

Permits property owners or contractors to utilize an independent building inspector if the municipality’s building inspector does not inspect the property within twenty days of notification.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change the registration schedule for commercial vehicles from an annual requirement to a biennial one, meaning these vehicles would need to be registered every two years instead of every year. The change applies specifically to commercial vehicles and would be implemented through rules set by the state's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. The bill also clarifies how combination plates work for certain commercial vehicles that may be used for both business and personal purposes. This adjustment aims to reduce the administrative burden on commercial vehicle owners while maintaining the state's vehicle registration system.

Defines “electronic nicotine-delivery system shop” and requires that ten percent (10%) of sales revenue from said shops be transferred to the tobacco cessation programs pursuant to § 27-20-53.

Creates the interchange fee restriction act prohibiting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.

Maddy summarySB 2344 prohibits payment networks and financial institutions from charging merchants interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portions of electronic payments. It requires merchants to report tax/gratuity amounts during transaction authorization or settlement to avoid these fees, or submit documentation within 180 days for refunds. Merchants who fail to report can still seek refunds by providing tax/gratuity documentation, and payment networks face $1,000 penalties per violation for noncompliance. The law applies to credit/debit card transactions and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences for the passing of Anna Casale, a 98-year-old woman from Cranston. The resolution acknowledges her life as a devoted wife, mother of ten children, and matriarch who raised her family with faith and compassion. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Casale family as a formal gesture of respect. The document serves as a commemorative tribute rather than a policy change, focusing on honoring Casale's legacy and supporting her grieving family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences to the D'Adamo family following the death of Vincent D'Adamo, Jr., a longtime Providence resident and pharmacist. The bill formally acknowledges his life, including his military service in the Korean War, his career running a pharmacy in North Providence, and his community involvement. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Mr. D'Adamo's children, Julie Persechino and Sandra Bucci.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution affirms Rhode Island's commitment to supporting women in the construction trades and expanding equitable access to careers in the industry. It recognizes current underrepresentation of women in construction and highlights the benefits of unionized apprenticeship programs, which offer family-sustaining wages and benefits without student loan debt. The resolution calls for continued support of union efforts to recruit, train, and retain women while directing the Secretary of State to share the document with relevant construction councils.