Sen. Val Lawson

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 933) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Rhode Island State Police Department's founding. It designates April 2025 as "State Police Month" and April 2, 2025, as "State Police Day," directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Police Superintendent. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or law enforcement operations - it is purely ceremonial recognition of the department's historical milestone.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 935), not a substantive bill. It formally celebrates "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House on April 1, 2025, to recognize the University of Rhode Island (URI) for its educational, research, and economic contributions to the state. The resolution highlights URI's status as a top-ranked public university and its role in workforce development, without creating any new legal requirements or affecting specific individuals or entities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to URI's president.

Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.

Maddy summarySB 197 prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to pay deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations. It directly affects individuals enrolled in group or individual health insurance plans by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for these specific exams. Diagnostic exams evaluate abnormalities found during screening or other exams, while supplemental exams screen for breast cancer in high-risk cases based on medical history. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, applying to all health insurance plans covered under the bill's provisions.

Maddy summarySB 377 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" to prevent state regulation of broadband services like VoIP and internet-based communications. It requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to submit data on speeds, technology, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which will create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map. This map will identify underserved areas and guide infrastructure planning, using data from ISPs, speed tests, and public sources. The bill aims to ensure all Rhode Island residents and businesses have access to reliable, affordable, and robust broadband service by prioritizing transparency over regulatory barriers.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 882) congratulating high school students and schools that won Rhode Island's 2025 ProStart® competition. It specifically honors students from William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School (Culinary and Foodservice teams) and Chariho Area Career & Technical Center (Hospitality & Tourism team), who will represent Rhode Island at the national competition. The resolution has no policy impact - it formally expresses Senate support and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the winning schools.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 883) honoring the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) for its work since 2011. It recognizes the Council's efforts to address food insecurity, promote sustainable food systems, and foster collaboration among community groups, farmers, and government agencies. The resolution formally commends the RIFPC's staff and volunteers and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with state and federal leaders. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 288 limits re-election for key state executive positions by prohibiting any person from being elected to the same general office (governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, or treasurer) more than twice. It also restricts individuals who served over two years of another person's term to only one additional election to that office. The bill further states that someone ineligible to run for governor cannot be elected lieutenant governor. These changes would apply immediately upon the bill's passage, affecting how state officers serve and seek re-election.

Allows the office of health insurance commissioner (OHIC) as the state agency that has the authority to designate patient-centered medical home (PCMH) care to obtain maximal health outcomes.

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.