Sen. Jonathon Acosta

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 2510), not a bill with policy changes. It formally congratulates James Parisi on retiring after 30 years as a lobbyist representing the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), which advocates for over 10,000 educators, nurses, and state employees. The resolution acknowledges his work informing lawmakers on education, healthcare, labor, and pension issues, as well as his reputation for integrity and collaboration. It directs the Secretary of State to send Parisi a certified copy of the resolution.

Recognizes the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American Indian tribe for the limited purpose of assisting this tribe in establishing eligibility for federal benefits and privileges.

Maddy summarySB 2509 establishes a formal process for Native American tribes to seek state recognition by submitting a petition to the state legislature. To qualify, tribes must provide specific documentation proving historical continuity as a distinct group, current community presence, ongoing tribal governance, membership criteria, membership lists, and confirmation they are not affected by federal termination policies (per HCR 108). The bill does not grant automatic recognition but creates a structured petition pathway, with the legislature retaining authority to impose restrictions on gaming, land use, and tax-free ventures for recognized tribes. This procedural bill directly affects tribes seeking state acknowledgment and outlines clear, evidence-based requirements for their application.

Maddy summarySR 2377 is a joint resolution appropriating $200,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the Rhode Island Free Clinic. This funding directly helps the clinic provide free medical care and preventive services to uninsured adults who cannot afford healthcare, while also supporting its role as a training site for healthcare students. The resolution authorizes the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation, ensuring the clinic can continue its mission of serving vulnerable residents. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically celebrates "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in Rhode Island from January 26-February 1, 2026. It recognizes physician anesthesiologists for their role in patient safety during surgeries, labor, pain management, and care for Veterans, highlighting their extensive training and leadership in the Anesthesia Care Team model. The resolution urges citizens to acknowledge their contributions and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates January 30, 2026, as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution" in Rhode Island. It commemorates Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American who challenged the WWII internment of people of Japanese descent, and encourages Rhode Islanders to reflect on civil liberties and constitutional rights. The resolution promotes civic education through planned events involving schools, legal groups, and community organizations. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding legal effect but formally recognizes Korematsu's legacy.

Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $30.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $2,000,000 from the state treasury for the Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit serving food-insecure families across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley. The funding supports the organization's existing operations, including providing meals and necessities to vulnerable communities, with specific programs for children, veterans, and families. The Elisha Project has previously served over 20 million meals, and this resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse the funds upon verified requests. It directly affects the Elisha Project's ability to expand services as food insecurity needs grow, without creating new policy or altering existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 from the state treasury for the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias for fiscal year 2026-2027. The funds will support the Commission’s existing work studying prejudice and bias, providing hate crime training to law enforcement and community groups, receiving hate crime reports, and advising state officials. The Commission, established in 1981, serves all Rhode Islanders and has been impacted by reduced federal and state funding. This resolution directly provides financial support to maintain the Commission’s ongoing operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2189) honors Nayasia A. Gonzalez, a 19-year-old Providence native and nursing student who died tragically in 2025. It permanently records her name in Rhode Island's legislative archives to preserve her legacy, as she was a Shea High School graduate, aspiring nurse, dancer, mentor, and community volunteer. The resolution includes no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely commemorates her life and expresses condolences to her family. It was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on January 20, 2026.