Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as "National Women's Health Month" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure highlights the importance of proactive healthcare, early disease detection, and lifestyle habits for women of all ages. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Department of Health to formalize the observance.

Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its work in supporting Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. The bill highlights the organization's achievements, such as assisting over 3,500 businesses and creating more than 500 jobs through various support programs like workshops and financial guidance. It formally congratulates the chamber's leadership and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's founder, Oscar Mejias. This measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than enacting new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 21, 2026, as Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Day in Rhode Island. The bill highlights the condition, which affects over 50,000 Americans and causes symptoms like changes in behavior, language, and movement. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the chair of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to promote awareness.

Maddy summarySB 2244 exempts behind-the-meter batteries connected to solar photovoltaic systems from Rhode Island's sales tax. This directly affects homeowners and businesses installing solar energy systems with battery storage, reducing their upfront costs. The bill amends tax law to add these battery systems to the list of exempt items under sales tax rules, specifically clarifying that batteries used to store solar energy for on-site use are not taxable. The change aims to lower costs for solar adoption without altering existing tax exemptions for other items like newspapers or school meals.

Provides that funds or monies collected by designated quasi-public corporations or agencies not be subject to transfer or reallocation by order of the governor or general assembly.

Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.

Maddy summarySB 2694 prevents state fees for home modifications required to accommodate a veteran's disability, directly benefiting disabled veterans needing accessibility changes. The bill amends the state building code to prohibit local governments or agencies from charging fees for these specific modifications, such as installing ramps or grab bars. It applies to modifications mandated by a veteran's disability, ensuring no additional costs for essential accessibility improvements. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee, with no further action taken yet.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges and impacts of brain tumors. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to leaders of four major brain tumor organizations, including the American Brain Tumor Association and the Rhode Island Brain & Spine Tumor Foundation. By doing so, the state aims to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive and currently incurable disease. The bill aims to educate the public about the condition and show support for patients, their families, and researchers working toward a cure. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to ALS United RI, a local organization that advocates for people living with the disease.