Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Ann D. McCaffrey, a former Warwick public school teacher and community member. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" from the Rhode Island Senate to her family, including her children (who include former Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey) and grandchildren. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family members. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not create new laws or affect any constituents.

Maddy summarySB 575 would allow Rhode Island residents aged 70 or older to opt out of jury service without needing to provide a specific reason. The bill amends state law to add "any person seventy (70) years of age or older" to the existing list of exempt groups, such as current elected officials and certain public safety personnel. This change directly affects older residents who would previously have been required to serve unless they requested exemption through a more complex process. The policy update simplifies jury duty eligibility by expanding a standard exemption category, taking effect upon passage.

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 760) ceremonially celebrates the 4th Annual "RI Craft Beer Week" (March 7-16, 2025) in Rhode Island, recognizing the craft beer industry's economic contributions. It cites the industry's growth (50 breweries, $876M in annual wages, 7,161 jobs) and community impact without creating new laws or affecting any regulations. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the RI Brewers Guild Executive Director. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or direct impact on businesses, residents, or policy.

Maddy summarySR 759 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection through public awareness. The resolution cites state cancer statistics, emphasizes that early screening improves survival rates from 90% to 10% when undetected, and references Senator Maryellen Goodwin's advocacy work. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the American Cancer Society and a medical professional. This is a commemorative resolution, not a legislative mandate.

Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the Workers' Compensation Administration Fund to a list of state funds exempt from having 10% of their cash receipts transferred to the general fund as indirect cost recoveries. It directly affects the workers' compensation program by ensuring its dedicated funds remain separate from general revenue. The key provision modifies Section 35-4-27 to exclude this specific fund from the standard 10% indirect cost recovery rule. This is a procedural change to fund management, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 665 expands Rhode Island's crime victim compensation program to include hit-and-run victims who suffer serious bodily injury. The bill amends the law by adding a new category (section 19) specifically covering "failure to stop by a driver in circumstances which result in serious bodily injury." This change directly affects victims of hit-and-run crashes where injury occurs, making them eligible for financial assistance previously unavailable under the existing program. The law takes effect upon passage.