Sen. Lou DiPalma

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Rhode Island Governor to order an analysis of why the state's Veterans Home in Bristol cannot hire enough staff to operate at full capacity. The requested study will examine specific issues such as wages, shift pay, housing, and career opportunities to understand the root causes of the staffing shortage. Based on the findings, the Governor must create a plan to reach full occupancy and include those recommendations in the upcoming state budget. This measure directly affects the Veterans Home, the state's Department of Administration, and the budget process for the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Joseph Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics and a native of Rhode Island, on receiving the 2025-2026 NBA Coach of the Year award. The document highlights his achievements, including leading the team to a strong record and playoff success despite the absence of star player Jayson Tatum due to injury. It also notes his history of developing players and his previous success in college basketball. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Coach Mazzulla.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. for his significant contributions to civil rights and nonviolence in Rhode Island and beyond. It recognizes his leadership in national movements, his role as the inaugural director of the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, and his service on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. The bill formally expresses gratitude for his life's work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the potential of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funds are designated for a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate within the state's coastal areas. The resolution aims to evaluate whether seagliders can support local economic goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation options, without making any guarantees about their future implementation.

Provides a licensed liquor retailer/cannabis retailer/or hemp consumable retailer that received an infused-beverage endorsement from the cannabis control commission the authorization to sell at retail THC infused beverages in accordance with this chapter.

Maddy summarySB 2369, the Rhode Island Early Educator Workforce Act, directs state departments to collaborate on managing existing programs supporting early educators in licensed child care and early learning programs. It specifically allocates at least $1 million annually to continue the Child Care WAGE$ program, which provides salary supplements based on education to help improve compensation and retention. The bill focuses on sustaining current workforce development initiatives like the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program and registered apprenticeships for early educators. This directly affects early educators (including infant/toddler caregivers) who currently earn low wages - averaging $16.74/hour in Rhode Island - by strengthening existing compensation support mechanisms.

Creates an 11-member commission to study and make recommendations on a statewide teacher healthcare plan, and would report quarterly as of September 1, 2026, and submit a final report by September 1, 2027, and expires on December 31, 2027.

Prohibits public and private colleges and universities from charging students for institution provided health insurance in the absence of affirmative action by the student opting-in to coverage.

Establishes guidelines, rules and regulations for the implementation and expansion of prekindergarten education programs for children ages 3-4 to increase children’s school readiness statewide.