Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.
Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, and media to replace stigmatizing terms (like "addict" or "clean") with respectful, person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder"). It directs state entities to review all official materials for non-stigmatizing language and requires future substance use policies to be developed with input from the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on changing communication practices to reduce stigma and support recovery. It was passed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 224) designates February 11, 2025, as "The 2nd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War. It directly recognizes the contributions of these soldiers - many formerly enslaved - who fought for American independence and their valor at the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with state officials, historical organizations, and the Newport County NAACP to promote public awareness of this history. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy but formally acknowledges a historical contribution.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences on the passing of Rufina Delizo Rice, wife of former Rhode Island Representative Michael Rice. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Michael Rice and his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond honoring her life and legacy. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on February 11, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution, not a law. It formally designates February 7-14, 2025, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects in infants, recognizing they affect thousands of babies annually and require early medical intervention. It urges all Rhode Island residents to observe the week and acknowledges the work of medical professionals in this field. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups beyond encouraging community awareness.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 228) expressing condolences to the Munson family following the passing of Hilding T. Munson. It formally recognizes his 63-year service with the Snug Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, his 35-year career as a Rhode Island State Sheriff, and his community involvement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Judith A. Munson and her family. As a non-binding expression of sympathy, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Marie T. Nesselbush, a longtime Steere House resident and beloved community member. The resolution formally conveys the Senate's deepest sympathy for her passing and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her daughter, Donna Nesselbush, and family. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a commemorative gesture honoring her life and legacy.
Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2027-2028, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Ruth Ann "Diamond" Madsen, a Rhode Island advocate for unhoused residents who died in December 2024. It recognizes her volunteer work with organizations like the George Wiley Center and her efforts to provide shelter, supplies, and community support to unhoused neighbors. The resolution does not create new policies but formally commemorates her legacy for her family and community groups, including Mathewson Street United Methodist Church.
