Sen. Jonathon Acosta

Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the culture and heritage of Taíno descendants living in Rhode Island, acknowledging their historical and ongoing contributions to the state's diverse cultural fabric. The resolution highlights the presence of several Taíno tribal communities in the state and affirms their role in cultural preservation, education, and community engagement. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Taíno community representatives, serving as an official acknowledgment rather than a law with enforceable mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit corporations and non-licensed entities from owning medical practices or controlling clinical decisions. It requires doctors licensed in Rhode Island to hold majority ownership (shares and board control) in medical practices, while banning management companies from interfering with clinical judgment or restricting doctors’ non-compete agreements. The law also prohibits management organizations from advertising clinics under their own names or entering contracts that would let them dictate staffing, billing, or patient care decisions. These provisions directly affect medical practices using management services organizations and doctors working within them. The bill has been referred to committee but is currently held for further study.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2636) commemorates Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan, who died in a violent incident at Pawtucket's Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game on February 16, 2026. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest sympathy to their families and commends the heroism of first responders, law enforcement, and citizens who intervened during the tragedy. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic gesture of condolence and gratitude, directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Dorgan families and Pawtucket's mayor.

Sets a clear and enforceable standard for reducing the presence of harmful metals in personal care products, prioritizing public health through testing, labeling, and the development of safer alternatives.

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2512) officially designates February 7-14, 2026, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the prevalence of congenital heart defects (affecting roughly 40,000 U.S. newborns annually) and urges residents to observe the week while acknowledging medical professionals working to improve outcomes. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it is a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and honor efforts in congenital heart defect research and treatment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2511) ceremonially recognizes February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's service. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges United Way 211's role in connecting residents to essential services (like housing, food, mental health, and disaster response) 24/7 since 2007. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way of Rhode Island and community partners. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SR 2515), not a law. It designates February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution recognizes the importance of children's oral health, highlights challenges like preventable cavities and access barriers, and encourages residents to support existing efforts promoting oral health education and preventive care. It does not create new programs or change funding; it simply makes a formal acknowledgment to raise awareness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2514) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Thomas Joseph Holland. It directly affects Holland's three daughters - Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff - by authorizing the Secretary of State to send them certified copies of the resolution. The resolution details Holland’s life, including his 55-year marriage, career in sales/marketing, retirement activities, and later involvement with the Secular Franciscan Order. No policy changes or funding are involved; it is a ceremonial expression of sympathy. The Senate passed it unanimously on February 10, 2026.