Sen. Jonathon Acosta

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Pawtuxet Rangers, a historic Rhode Island militia group established in 1774. The document highlights the unit's long legacy of service, including its role in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Dorr Rebellion, as well as its modern reactivation in 1972. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the current commanding officer of the Pawtuxet Rangers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses official support for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2024 "Light The Night" walk event scheduled for September 22, 2024. The bill encourages all Rhode Islanders to participate in the evening walk, which begins at the State House and aims to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient support services. By passing this measure, the Senate authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the event's campaign manager, Laura Lanni. The document serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a law that changes specific regulations or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2024 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese community. The bill recognizes the group's historical and ongoing contributions to the state's economy, culture, and public service, particularly in cities like Providence and Newport. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state officials, the government of Portugal, and local organizations. This measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of Portuguese heritage rather than a change to laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 2388 amends state laws to ensure that all home health care patients receive services regardless of whether they live permanently or temporarily in the state. The bill outlines specific rights for these patients, including the ability to refuse care, access their medical records, and receive information about costs and billing procedures. It also requires providers to document and investigate any complaints made by patients or their families. Additionally, the legislation mandates that insurance policies include clear provisions regarding contract terms and time limits on certain defenses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences for the passing of Eileen M. Rao, a lifelong resident of Providence and the co-founder of the local business Mr. Lemon. The document highlights her legacy as a dedicated business owner and family matriarch, noting her significant role in growing the lemonade stand into a family venture over nearly fifty years. It formally directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this sympathy resolution to her three children, Janice Valedofsky, Joseph Rao Jr., and Colleen Rao-Sales.

Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.

Amends certain election statutes to require ballot questions be written in plain language reasonably calculated to be understood by persons with an eighth-grade reading level.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 214th anniversary of Colombia's independence on July 20, 2024. It formally recognizes the historical events that led to Colombia's freedom from Spanish rule and highlights the shared values between the United States and Colombia. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Colombian American Cultural Society and Colombia en Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySB 2225 repeals specific provisions in state law that required women participating in the community corrections program to pay additional costs for prostitution-related offenses. This change directly affects female offenders who are eligible for community confinement, removing the mandatory financial assessments of $500 or $350 for felony and misdemeanor charges respectively. By eliminating these fees, the bill ensures that women in the program are no longer subject to these extra penalties regardless of whether they are sentenced to prison or released into the community. The legislation removes the requirement for these funds to be deposited as general revenue, simplifying the financial obligations associated with this specific correctional pathway.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state fund to provide tuition and related expense assistance to individuals pursuing teacher certification in shortage fields, specifically science and mathematics for grades seven through twelve. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a Rhode Island postsecondary program to become teachers in these areas, and the financial aid is intended to cover costs such as tuition, room, board, and books after other aid has been applied. Recipients are required to complete at least three years of full-time teaching in a shortage field within the state, or the assistance they received will convert into a loan that must be repaid. The Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner will administer the program, update the list of shortage fields biennially, and report annually on the fund's usage while maintaining applicant privacy.