Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act to clarify definitions and improve disclosure requirements for solar energy agreements. It directly affects homeowners and solar retailers by updating standard forms used for lease and purchase agreements to include clearer details about costs, payment schedules, and customer responsibilities. The bill introduces a specific provision for catastrophic loss, allowing customers to temporarily suspend lease payments if their property becomes uninhabitable, though it does not cancel the remaining payments. Additionally, the legislation requires more transparent information on insurance responsibilities and potential federal tax credits in purchase agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission to allocate $200,000 annually to the Substance Use Mental Health Leadership Council for programs addressing hazardous and underage cannabis use, including education and environmental strategies. It also requires an additional $500,000 yearly appropriation to fund public-facing websites, social media platforms, and ongoing media campaigns related to cannabis safety. The Substance Use Mental Health Leadership Council must submit annual reports on how these funds are used to the Senate president and House speaker by October 1 each year. The legislation applies to the state's cannabis regulatory framework and affects the funding and oversight of public health initiatives related to cannabis consumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $118,422 in state funding to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) to support its Dual Ombudsman program, which assists approximately 40,000 Rhode Islanders who receive both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The program helps these individuals navigate complex healthcare enrollment rules, resolve claim denials, access care, and understand changes in their coverage options. The funding would match federal Medicaid dollars to maintain the program's current capacity for the 2027 fiscal year, preventing its termination as proposed in the state budget. This support is particularly important during a major transition in Rhode Island's managed care system for dual-eligible enrollees, when fewer trusted resources are available to help them navigate their healthcare options.

Prohibits the holding of multiple drivers licenses or identification cards and would change the term "re-constructed salvage" to "rebuilt salvage" for purposes of the Rhode Island salvage law.

Creates a Rhode Island specialty license for physician assistants who earn the NCCPA psychiatry CAQ, formally recognizing advanced behavioral health qualifications and supporting appropriate insurance reimbursement.

Creates a new license for eyelash service technicians, requires permit for eyelash businesses, establishes training and exam standards, authorizes RIDOH enforcement and fines, and imposes a $500 penalty for an unlicensed practice.

Requires any entity that knowingly collects, shares or sells to third parties the personal data of a consumer to register with the department of business regulations and permits for the consumer to request deletion of the personal data.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 26, 2026, as "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House to honor the University of Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the university's achievements as a top public research institution and acknowledges its contributions to education, research, and economic development in the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the university president. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael J. Murphy, who passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. The bill honors Murphy's life by acknowledging his roles as a husband, father, community leader, and long-time basketball coach who dedicated over 35 years to mentoring youth at St. Joseph School. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Murphy's family as a formal gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of social workers in the state. The measure recognizes the profession's role in addressing mental health, addiction, poverty, and social justice issues across schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It calls on citizens to support the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's executive director.