Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 11-17, 2026, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges faced by individuals who cannot afford menstrual products. The bill acknowledges that despite existing tax exemptions on period supplies, many women and girls, particularly those living in poverty, still struggle to access these essential items. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to local organizations like Amenity Aid and the Rhode Island Foundation to support ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for expanded assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Department of Corrections staff in direct supervision roles to wear body cameras while on duty within correctional facilities. The law mandates that cameras be activated during specific interactions such as use of force incidents, transporting individuals, medical emergencies, and disciplinary proceedings, with recordings retained for at least 60 days unless needed for investigations. An independent oversight board will be established to review critical incidents and complaints, while incarcerated individuals will be informed of recording practices and given the right to request footage review. The Department of Corrections must provide staff training on camera use and privacy, submit biannual reports to the General Assembly, and face disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Creates new tax on gains from sale or exchange of real property held for short periods of time, 6 years or less, establishes a comprehensive framework to calculate and implement enforcement and provides imprisonment and/or fines for those who evade taxes.

Maddy summarySB 2098 prohibits the sale or possession of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products (e-cigarettes) in Rhode Island, including those with menthol flavor. It defines "characterizing flavor" broadly to include menthol, meaning any e-liquid marketed with a distinguishable taste or aroma (other than tobacco) is banned. The law directly affects e-cigarette retailers and consumers, with limited exemptions for cannabis facilities under specific conditions. This is a regulatory change, not a tax measure, and would take effect immediately upon passage.

Increases number of members of state crime laboratory commission to 9, changes makeup of commission to include individuals with expertise in law enforcement, criminal defense, scientific research, makes chair of department of physics executive secretary.

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

Mandates private equity companies or real estate investment trusts (REIT) seeking to invest in healthcare providers or provider-sponsored organizations in this state, submit a notice of material change with the AG and deposit a bond with the DOH.

Requires a healthcare entity to submit written notice to the attorney general and the department of health of any material change transaction at least 180 days prior to that transaction.

Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.

Maddy summarySB 2105 requires the state to reimburse utility companies and local governments for costs related to relocating utility lines (like power or water) when highway projects need them moved. Private utility companies receive 50% reimbursement for relocation costs, while municipalities and public entities receive full reimbursement. This applies only to highway projects eligible for federal funding, and reimbursement is limited to actual relocation expenses - not improvements or "betterment." The bill mandates that relocations must meet state-set deadlines and design standards to qualify for payment.