Sen. Val Lawson

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates the Blackstone Valley Schools Boys Co-Op ice hockey team for winning the 2026 Rhode Island Division II State Championship. The bill recognizes the team's achievement after they returned to competition following a tragic shooting at Lynch Arena that killed three people just a month earlier. It highlights specific players and coaches who contributed to the team's success, including Colin Dorgan, who scored a game-tying goal in the championship match. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the team's head coach and all roster members.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates March 25, 2026, as the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The bill acknowledges historical ties, including American support during Greece's war for independence and the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations. It formally recognizes the Greek-American community's contributions to Rhode Island and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Greek Orthodox churches, the U.S. Congressional delegation, and Greek diplomatic and religious leaders.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 26, 2026, as "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House to honor the University of Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the university's achievements as a top public research institution and acknowledges its contributions to education, research, and economic development in the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the university president. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change.

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.

Maddy summarySB 2428 prohibits retailers in Rhode Island from using dynamic or surveillance pricing practices - where prices change based on consumer data or behavior - to sell goods or services to individual consumers. It directly affects retailers (including online sellers) operating within the state, requiring them to set fixed prices rather than algorithmically adjusted ones. The bill defines "price" broadly to include all costs and fees, and aligns with existing deceptive trade practices laws by banning tactics that mislead consumers about pricing. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and expires on March 31, 2026, pending further legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 19, 2026, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the institution's contributions to the community. The bill recognizes Rhode Island College as the state's oldest public college and highlights its academic programs, athletic achievements, and recent investments in modernizing facilities for science and cybersecurity education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college president, Dr. Jack R. Warner, as a formal acknowledgment of the college's role in the state's education and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the Feast of Saint Joseph, honoring the patron saint of workers and family. It recognizes Saint Joseph's role as a symbol of faith, hard work, and family solidarity, particularly within the Italian-American community in Rhode Island. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. This is a ceremonial document that acknowledges cultural heritage and does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and officially names the Rhode Island Senate Chamber in his memory. The bill directly affects the Rhode Island Senate by formally dedicating the chamber to Ruggerio, who served as Senate President and the longest-serving member of the Senate for over 40 years. Key provisions include expressing sympathy to Ruggerio's family, authorizing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family, and establishing the chamber naming as a permanent tribute to his public service. The resolution does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a commemorative measure recognizing Ruggerio's leadership and contributions to the state.

Maddy summarySB 2742 would authorize the state lottery division to operate non-charitable bingo games, creating a new legal framework for this activity. It directly affects the state lottery division by granting it the specific power to run these games, which are typically restricted under current law. The key provision establishes a new chapter in state law to govern non-charitable bingo operations under the lottery division's oversight. This bill does not change existing charitable bingo rules but adds a new, state-run option for bingo games.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of key events in the American Revolutionary War involving Irish Americans, including the British withdrawal from Boston on St. Patrick's Day 1776 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence by eight Irish American delegates. It highlights the contributions of Irish-born or Irish-descended figures such as General John Sullivan and the signers of the Declaration, noting their roles in founding the United States and inspiring later Irish independence movements. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Chair of the Senate of Ireland, formally recognizing this historical connection between the two nations.