Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summarySB 830 adjusts vehicle registration fees for leased vehicles. It allows owners of vehicles leased for 36 months to renew registration for one additional year to match lease expiration, with fees adjusted accordingly (Section 1). The bill also updates the registration fee schedule by clarifying existing weight-based rates for cars, trucks, and trailers (Section 2), including specific fees for different gross weight categories. This directly affects lessees of vehicles under 36-month leases and the DMV’s fee collection process. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on July 2, 2025.

Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person receives a credit for the time remaining on the original registration to be applied to a future registration.

Maddy summarySB 179 allows public school teachers and administrators in all grades to offer students a brief moment of silence each September 11 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It directly affects public school students and staff by providing an optional, non-religious observance opportunity. The bill requires no new funding or major policy shifts - it simply permits schools to facilitate this moment when they choose. This is a procedural measure focused on remembrance, not a substantive change to education policy.

Maddy summarySB 168, the Rhode Island Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2025, prevents insurance companies from requiring prior approval (where patients or doctors must get insurance permission before a service) for any medical service ordered by an in-network primary care provider. This means patients can receive care recommended by their primary care doctor without waiting for insurance review, directly affecting patients, primary care providers, and insurers. The key provision prohibits insurers from imposing prior authorization for these services, streamlining access to care. The bill applies to all health insurance plans operating in Rhode Island, removing a common administrative barrier for routine primary care referrals.

Maddy summarySB 816 prohibits candidates, campaigns, PACs, and independent spenders from distributing AI-generated or manipulated videos, audio, or images (deemed "deceptive synthetic media") in election communications within 90 days of an election. It requires clear, visible disclosures if such media is used (e.g., text in large font for videos, spoken announcement for audio), with exemptions for news outlets, satire, and platforms protected under federal law. The bill directly affects election campaigns, political committees, and entities making independent expenditures, while allowing candidates to seek legal action for violations. It does not restrict general news reporting, satire, or security-related uses of synthetic media.

This pilot program would create a $3,000 trust for each Rhode Island child ages zero to one year born to a family enrolled in the Rhode Island Works Program (“RI Works”) during the preceding calendar year.

Provides standards for developing, implementing, and maintaining reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.

Maddy summarySB 932 extends a temporary rule allowing nonprofit organizations that sponsor special license plates to order as few as 150 plates per design (instead of the standard 600) without needing full prepayment. This change, originally set to expire December 31, 2025, is made permanent by the bill. It directly affects nonprofits that create custom plates for causes like charities or community groups, reducing their financial barrier to launching new designs. The bill repeals the expiration date, ensuring the lower minimum order requirement continues indefinitely.

This act would repeal the exemption granted to pari mutual facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement contained in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act.

Maddy summarySB 1147 names the Rhode Island Senate Chamber in the State House as the "President Dominick J. Ruggerio Senate Chamber." This bill directly affects the official designation of a state government building used by legislators. It requires the chamber's name to be updated to honor Ruggerio, who previously served as Senate President. As a purely ceremonial naming resolution with no policy changes or funding impacts, it has no broader legislative effect beyond the chamber's official title.