Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1151) honoring Bristol, Rhode Island's 240th annual Fourth of July celebration, recognized as the oldest continuous such event in the U.S. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to specific individuals involved in organizing the 2025 event, including committee leaders and honorary titles like "Miss Fourth of July." The resolution has no policy impact or financial obligation, solely serving to publicly acknowledge the community event and its organizers.

Maddy summarySB 845 creates a voluntary tax deduction option on Rhode Island state income tax returns, allowing taxpayers to direct a portion of their refund to the Rhode Island Meals on Wheels Inc. Fund starting with tax year 2025. Taxpayers can choose to contribute by checking a box on their return, with contributions collected annually and deposited into the fund. The fund, managed by the state treasurer, will provide financial support exclusively for eligible individuals and families served by Meals on Wheels programs. This change does not alter tax rates or require contributions - it simply offers a new, optional way for residents to support meal delivery services for vulnerable community members.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Rhode Island to disclose how they use artificial intelligence for managing coverage and claims. Insurers must report details like AI models used, training data, decision-making processes, and maintain 5-year records of AI-influenced decisions - including denials of medically necessary care. All AI-driven adverse benefit determinations must be reviewed and approved by a healthcare professional before finalizing, with their rationale documented. The law mandates annual reports to state regulators on AI usage, including performance metrics like denial rates and appeal outcomes, taking effect June 2026.

Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Maddy summarySB 118 creates the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to address staffing and care quality in nursing homes. The board, composed of 13 members representing employers, workers, community organizations, and state agencies, will advise the legislature and labor department on wages, working conditions, and training standards for nursing home staff. It will recommend statewide minimum compensation and workplace standards but cannot enforce them directly. The bill directly affects nursing home workers, employers, and residents by aiming to improve staffing stability and care quality through data-driven recommendations. (SB 118, "Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act," focuses on advisory recommendations, not direct regulation.)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1135) symbolically recognizes August 15, 2025, as the 80th anniversary of Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule and 2025 as the 50th anniversary of the Korean American Association of Rhode Island’s founding. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Korean American Association of Rhode Island. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a ceremonial observance celebrating cultural heritage and community contributions.

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities. That choose to participate. Reports would be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and would be submitted to the department of environmental management.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1117) requests the U.S. Coast Guard retain 38 physical buoys in Rhode Island waters that the Coast Guard proposed removing to shift toward electronic navigation systems. It directly affects Rhode Island boaters, particularly smaller vessels and recreational users who rely on physical buoys for safe navigation in areas like Narragansett Bay, where electronic systems may be unreliable. The resolution argues that removing these buoys risks safety for thousands of boaters without modern navigation equipment. The Senate passed the resolution on June 3, 2025, directing it be sent to relevant Coast Guard officials and Rhode Island officials.

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.