Sen. Val Lawson

Primary SB 997

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINERS RECYCLING ACT

Maddy summarySenate Bill 997 establishes the "Beverage Container Recycling Act," creating a statewide system for recycling certain beverage containers. The bill defines various terms, including which beverages and containers are covered by the program and who is considered a "producer" (brand owner) responsible for compliance. It outlines mechanisms for consumers to return empty containers, such as "express redemption sites" (like reverse vending machines) and "full-service redemption sites," to receive a refund value. This system aims to promote the recycling of drinkable liquids sold in prepackaged containers.

EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates statewide beverage container recycling system, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources through mandatory producer responsibility and consumer redemption sites.95% confidence

died May 7, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 941

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONTINUING CARE PROVIDER REGISTRATION AND DISCLOSURE

Allows continuing care providers to provide care in an individual’s home, subject to the same disclosures and requirements as continuing care provided in a facility.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables home-based continuing care with same regulatory requirements as facilities, improving patient access to care without restricting services.85% confidence

In committee May 6, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SR 1027

Passed · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL 24, 2025, AS "RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1027 designates April 24, 2025, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the state. This resolution celebrates Rhode Island College and thanks its staff for their contributions to the citizens of Rhode Island.

Passed May 6, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 701

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows expanded telemedicine access for nurses and PAs, improving patient access to healthcare services without restrictions.90% confidence

died May 6, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 244

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

Increases the Rhode Island earned-income credit to twenty percent (20%) on January 1, 2026. Such credit would not exceed the amount of state income tax.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases earned-income tax credit for low/middle-income earners, providing direct tax relief and strengthening fiscal support for working families.95% confidence

died May 6, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 788

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves age restrictions and mandates Medicaid-equivalent reimbursement for autism coverage, expanding access to services and strengthening insurance benefits.95% confidence

died May 6, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 254

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN

Would provide children up to age three (3) with continuous coverage eligibility for RIte Track/RIte Care so that they are not at risk of losing coverage at the yearly redetermination due solely to administrative barriers.

HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents loss of health coverage for children under 3 due to administrative barriers, expanding access to RIte Care continuity as required by the bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

died May 6, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 889

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- DUAL ENROLLMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT

Amends the definition of “dual enrollment” to encompass all Rhode Island public higher education institutions and amends all statutory references regarding the same.

EducationSupports EducationExpands dual enrollment access across all public higher ed institutions, promoting equitable educational opportunities for students.95% confidence

In committee May 5, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 826

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates oversight commission for public-private partnership infrastructure projects, enabling funding and development of transportation infrastructure like roads/highways.90% confidence

died Apr 30, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 855

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- PEACE OFFICER MAXIMUM WORKDAY AND OVERTIME COMPENSATION

Maddy summarySB 855 establishes new rules for overtime work for state-employed peace officers, primarily affecting correctional officers in Rhode Island. The bill prevents the state from requiring these employees to work beyond an agreed-upon 8-hour (or 10-hour for correctional officer stewards) shift, except in unforeseeable emergent circumstances like a riot. Even in emergencies, overtime can only be required as a last resort after the employer has exhausted reasonable efforts to obtain staffing. If the state violates these provisions and requires work beyond the limit, it must pay the employee double time and a half their regular salary.

Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentLimits mandatory overtime for correctional officers, protecting workers' rights by capping work hours and requiring emergency justification per labor standards.95% confidence

died Apr 30, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track