Sen. Val Lawson

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1069 reaffirms the friendship between the State of Rhode Island and Taiwan. It encourages the Rhode Island State Government to strengthen bilateral trade relations, including considering the possible opening of a trade office in Taiwan. The resolution also expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and agreements, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" in the State of Rhode Island. It honors police and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, acknowledging their sacrifice.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1064 congratulates the Brown University Women's Rugby Team for winning the Women's Rugby College National Championship for the third consecutive year. It also directs the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the resolution to the team's Head Coach, Rosalind Chou.

Requires persons convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in vehicle as part of sentence and to pay an assessment to pay for the interlock systems.

Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration when possible.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 447 (SB 447) proposes to establish a new child tax credit within Rhode Island's personal income tax system. This bill directly affects taxpayers in Rhode Island who have dependents. It would allow these taxpayers to claim a credit of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each dependent. The legislation aims to amend the state's existing personal income tax laws to incorporate this new credit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1066 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes "Zambarano Day" on May 13, 2025. This resolution congratulates the staff of the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus for their services and expresses the Rhode Island Senate's appreciation and continuing support for the hospital's long-term acute care efforts.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1067 proclaims May 2025 as "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" in the State of Rhode Island. It encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn about the history and contributions of these communities and to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

Provides that a student's enrollment in Medicaid would be included in calculating and determining the student success factor for use in the foundation education-aid formula.

Maddy summarySB 946 makes it unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen to possess a firearm. However, the bill outlines specific exceptions where minors are permitted to possess or use firearms. These exceptions include participation in supervised activities such as lawful hunting, competitive shooting, or firearms education programs, and use at approved camps or rifle ranges when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult. Minors may also transport an unloaded firearm in a suitable case to and from these locations when accompanied by an adult.