Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.
Maddy summarySB 2509 establishes a formal process for Native American tribes to seek state recognition by submitting a petition to the state legislature. To qualify, tribes must provide specific documentation proving historical continuity as a distinct group, current community presence, ongoing tribal governance, membership criteria, membership lists, and confirmation they are not affected by federal termination policies (per HCR 108). The bill does not grant automatic recognition but creates a structured petition pathway, with the legislature retaining authority to impose restrictions on gaming, land use, and tax-free ventures for recognized tribes. This procedural bill directly affects tribes seeking state acknowledgment and outlines clear, evidence-based requirements for their application.
Maddy summarySR 2426 is a Senate resolution expressing condolences for the death of Anthony DeLuca, a former Rhode Island state representative (1981-1986), educator, and advocate for same-sex marriage. The resolution, passed by the Senate on February 5, 2026, formally honors his 30+ years in education, public service, and support for marriage equality legislation. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Sylvia DeLuca, and their family. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact, solely serving to memorialize his contributions.
Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2335) designates January 27, 2026, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day" to highlight the state's growing food insecurity crisis. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by formally recognizing that 34% of households (with significantly higher rates among Black, Latino, and other communities of color) struggle to meet basic food needs, as documented in the 2026 Hunger Status Report. The resolution has no new funding or policy changes; it simply calls for public awareness on this issue and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Governor for official recognition.
Maddy summarySB 2222 establishes a fee on fossil fuel sellers (like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas companies) operating in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund the "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund," which will support clean energy programs, energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households and small businesses, and worker transition initiatives for jobs in low-carbon industries. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, and help Rhode Island meet its 2035 emissions goals. This is a proposed legislative measure introduced in January 2026 and not yet enacted.
Maddy summarySB 2229 requires all Rhode Island school buildings to meet "zero energy capable" standards by December 31, 2037, meaning they must generate as much renewable energy as they consume annually. The Department of Education must develop regulations by June 30, 2027, to implement these standards, which align with the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) guidelines. The bill ensures local school districts can access state/federal funding for energy projects without penalties or reduced housing aid, and provides guidance for using federal tax incentives for solar installations. This applies to all new school construction and major renovations, directly affecting public schools across Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Francis D. Landry, Jr., a Newport water treatment plant operator, union president, and community member. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his daughters, Meagan and Gretchen Landry. The bill has no policy provisions or financial impact - it is a formal gesture of respect for a local resident and his family. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2193) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences upon the passing of Carrigan McCorrie-Raine Nelson. It commemorates her life, highlighting her seven-year battle with osteosarcoma, her achievements as a musician, Taekwondo champion, and advocate for childhood cancer awareness, and her recognition as "Person of the Year." The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her parents, Tammy and Paul Nelson. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2188) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Serra family following the passing of Richard Serra, a former Charlestown Town Council member and local businessman. It formally honors his service, family, and community contributions as documented in the resolution's preamble. The Senate passed the resolution on January 20, 2026, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Camelia Serra, and family. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or legislative effect.
