Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences to the family of the late James M. Donelan, a former Rhode Island State Senator from Warwick. The bill honors his life and career, noting his service in the 15th District from 1990 to 2002 and his work on the Good Driving Statute. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Donelan's family as a formal acknowledgment of the Senate's respect for his contributions to public service and his community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Miranda Marie Musumeci for being named Miss Ireland in the West Warwick St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026. The bill recognizes her contributions to Irish heritage and community service, highlighting her involvement in various school and community activities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Musumeci as formal acknowledgment of her achievement. This is a ceremonial measure that does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the passing of Francisco J. "El Grande" Batista, a Rhode Island resident and longtime real estate professional. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Batista family, acknowledging his contributions to the community and his role as a father, brother, and husband. It serves as a formal recognition of his life and the impact he had on those who knew him.

Amends the definition of "domestic violence" to include the coercive control of another resulting in a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with another person's free will or personal liberty.

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Rhode Island law requiring law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities to identify and verify the veteran status of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. It mandates that agencies use federal databases to confirm veteran status within 24 hours of law enforcement contact, 21 days for parolees, and 7 days for inmates, then share this information with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Verified veterans gain access to veterans justice outreach specialists who assist with connecting to VA healthcare, federal benefits, specialty courts, and diversion programs. The bill also requires weekly reporting of verified veterans to relevant state agencies and courts to ensure coordinated support services.

Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

Maddy summarySB 2183 eliminates the registration and service charge fees for vehicles displaying National Guard license plates. This directly affects National Guard members who use these specialized plates for their personal vehicles. The bill's key provision is removing these specific fees from the state's vehicle registration system, simplifying the process for eligible National Guard members without altering other registration requirements.

Raises the gross weight of a vehicle eligible for reserve forces plates from 8,500 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. with US flag on the plates. Proof of honorable discharge to be provided to DMV.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Military Child Act, creates new enrollment rules for military-connected students in Rhode Island public schools. It defines "military-connected student" as a dependent of active-duty U.S. military personnel or Rhode Island National Guard members. The law allows these students to enroll remotely without physical presence using military orders, and permits "open enrollment" into any school district regardless of capacity if they provide a Department of Defense ID and proof of active duty orders for 30+ days. These provisions aim to reduce disruption during military relocations by simplifying school transfers.