Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 368) formally welcomes Scouting America's Narragansett Council to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. It expresses gratitude for the Council's community service, including 19,653 volunteer hours and 177,847 pounds of food collected in 2024. The resolution is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or funding provisions, serving only to recognize the organization's contributions. It was passed unanimously by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 371) commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2025. It formally recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence, the contributions of Dominicans to Rhode Island (including the estimated 54,000 Dominican residents and their community impact), and the strong U.S.-Dominican relationship. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic, expressing the Senate's acknowledgment of this historical milestone and the Dominican-American community's role in Rhode Island. It does not affect any individuals, policies, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 370) formally declares February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to the state's social, economic, and cultural development, referencing Rhode Island's role in Black history and the 2025 national theme focused on "African Americans and Labor." The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups; it is a symbolic gesture of acknowledgment. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, and media to replace stigmatizing terms (like "addict" or "clean") with respectful, person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder"). It directs state entities to review all official materials for non-stigmatizing language and requires future substance use policies to be developed with input from the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on changing communication practices to reduce stigma and support recovery. It was passed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.

Maddy summarySB 248 requires the state to pay 50% of relocation costs for private utility companies (like power or gas providers) and 100% for public entities (such as cities, counties, or state agencies) when utilities must be moved to accommodate highway projects eligible for federal funding. The bill covers only actual relocation expenses - not improvements to the utilities - and mandates that work meet state-set deadlines and design standards to qualify for payment. This policy directly affects private utility businesses and public governments managing infrastructure along highway corridors. The state will fund these costs as part of federally supported highway projects, with full reimbursement for public entities and partial reimbursement for private companies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 224) designates February 11, 2025, as "The 2nd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War. It directly recognizes the contributions of these soldiers - many formerly enslaved - who fought for American independence and their valor at the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with state officials, historical organizations, and the Newport County NAACP to promote public awareness of this history. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy but formally acknowledges a historical contribution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Marie T. Nesselbush, a longtime Steere House resident and beloved community member. The resolution formally conveys the Senate's deepest sympathy for her passing and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her daughter, Donna Nesselbush, and family. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a commemorative gesture honoring her life and legacy.

Maddy summarySB 153 establishes rules to protect minors under 18 who appear in compensated vlogs on social media. It requires vloggers featuring minors (meeting criteria like 30% screen time in content or $0.10/view compensation) to track detailed records and deposit 10-50% of earnings into a trust fund for the minor. The trust funds, held until the minor turns 18, must be managed by specific financial institutions and are enforceable through civil lawsuits by parents or guardians. This bill directly affects vloggers, families, and platforms hosting content featuring minors in Rhode Island.