Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Joseph Couto to legally marry Brandon Kemmy and Jacqueline Manousos in Tiverton, Rhode Island, on or around August 2, 2026. It grants Couto the specific legal power to perform this ceremony under the state's existing marriage laws, overriding any other rules that might apply. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passing and is designed solely to enable this single wedding event without changing broader marriage regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated domestic violence calendar within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for handling felony domestic violence cases. The new system would prioritize scheduling these cases and assign them to specific personnel to ensure consistent judicial oversight and better enforcement of protective orders. It applies to serious crimes involving domestic violence, violations of no-contact orders, and weapon-related offenses connected to such matters. The legislation aims to improve public safety and court efficiency by centralizing the processing of these specific criminal proceedings.

Authorizes the state retirement board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that individual is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime related to their public office or public employment.

Amends the compositions of the Rhode Island life science hub board of directors and amends the I-195 redevelopment district commission and provides additional amendments to the powers and duties of the commission.

Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.

Makes a series of amendments and adds new provisions of law to address business identity theft and deceptive solicitations sent to businesses and the unauthorized formation of entities.

Makes several technical amendments to the Rhode Island secure choice retirement savings program act necessary for continued administration and inter-state partnership.

Creates a special joint legislative commission to make a comprehensive study of Rhode Island's education funding formula and education finance system.

Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.

Maddy summarySB 2197 requires mental health professionals (such as licensed therapists, counselors, and social workers) to obtain specific written consent before using artificial intelligence for administrative tasks like scheduling or record-keeping. The bill bans AI tools designed to simulate emotional bonds or make therapeutic decisions during client sessions, including those used with recorded therapy. It prohibits AI from directly interacting with clients or replacing human judgment in treatment, while allowing limited AI use for non-therapeutic support under strict oversight. The law applies to all licensed mental health providers offering therapy or psychotherapy services in the state.