Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summarySB 601 increases penalties for public utilities and carriers that violate duties outlined in state law. It raises fines for violations from $200-$1,000 to $200-$5,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate violation. The bill also imposes misdemeanor penalties of $100-$1,000 on utility officers or agents who violate rules or fail to comply with regulatory orders. This directly affects public utilities (like gas, water, or electric providers) and their employees responsible for adhering to regulatory requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1062 renames the East Bay Bike Path Bridge in Warren (spanning the Palmer River) as the Cpl. Richard C. Brule Bridge. This bill directly affects the bridge's official designation and honors Corporal Richard C. Brule. The change is purely ceremonial with no policy or funding impact, taking effect upon the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1165) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Father Bernard A. Healey's priestly ordination on June 24, 2025. It formally recognizes his decades of service to Rhode Island, including his work with the poor, his roles as a chaplain and Catholic Conference director, and his community leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send Father Healey a certified copy of the resolution. It directly affects only Father Healey as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to conduct a feasibility study on seagliders in Rhode Island. The study, to be done in collaboration with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI), will assess how seagliders - a type of electric, passenger-carrying coastal vehicle - could benefit the state. Key focus areas include evaluating potential reductions in carbon emissions, job creation in the Blue Economy, and improved coastal transportation options. The funding is specifically for research, not for building or deploying seagliders. This is a procedural appropriation, not a substantive policy change.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases or shell casings seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing, also would require 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN

Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.

Includes manufactured homes on leased land under a long-term lease in excess of thirty (30) years at the time of enrollment within the classification of affordable housing.

Details each of those limited emergency circumstances where a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurses, may safely administer sedation, such as critical life-saving or emergency situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb.

Authorizes the sale of THC-infused beverages to be regulated by the DBR division of commercial licensing. It also establishes licensing and an endorsement process for wholesale and retail THC-infused beverages.