Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summarySB 2799 amends the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 to clarify definitions and enforcement provisions related to the ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The bill specifies which items are covered by the ban, including artificial turf, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products, menstrual products, and certain apparel, while explicitly excluding items like vehicles, electronic devices, and medical equipment. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for manufacturers and regulators on which products must comply with PFAS restrictions. This clarification helps ensure consistent enforcement of the existing ban without changing the core prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in covered consumer goods.

Eliminates the "until June 30, 2026" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.

Maddy summarySB 2432 would require Rhode Island's public colleges (URI, RIC, CCRI) to automatically admit qualifying residents who earned an Eagle Scout rank (Scouting America) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts of the USA), provided they meet basic application requirements like submitting required documents. It does not guarantee admission to competitive programs like nursing or engineering, nor does it affect tuition costs or residency rules. Institutions must verify awards through official documentation, and admission remains subject to meeting all non-academic application steps. The bill takes effect for Fall 2026 applications and applies only to state residents.

Defines "military-connected student" and permits military-connected students to enroll by remote registration upon presentation of military orders confirming the parent or guardian be stationed in this state during the current or following school year.

Establishes the Rhode Island orange heart medal to formally recognize Rhode Island veterans whose service exposed them to toxic herbicides, burn pits, or other hazardous agents.

Creates a program through which fire departments and fire districts are notified of locations of registrants of electric and hybrid motor vehicles can register their vehicles with their local fire department or fire district.

Creates a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an "adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.

Maddy summarySB 2414 allows disabled veteran license plates to be transferred to a veteran's spouse under two conditions: when the veteran can no longer operate a vehicle (with proof), or upon the veteran's death (until the spouse remarries). It also permits the direct issuance of these plates to an eligible veteran's spouse. The bill modifies existing rules to expand plate transfers and issuance, requiring documentation from the Veterans' Administration to verify eligibility. This affects disabled veterans and their spouses who qualify for the plate exemption under current disability criteria.

Allows for a special RI license plate to raise awareness for colon cancer. The plate would be designed by the partnership to reduce cancer in RI and honoring the late Maryellen Goodwin.

Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.