Sen. Thomas Paolino

Maddy summarySB 2302 makes it a minor criminal offense (misdemeanor) to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct involving law enforcement, public safety personnel, or hospital staff. The bill specifically targets individuals who falsely report misconduct to authorities with the intent of causing harm, such as falsely accusing an officer of wrongdoing. Penalties include up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory compensation to the falsely accused person for damages. This bill directly affects anyone who files such false reports, aiming to prevent misuse of complaint systems. The bill was introduced in the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 23, 2026, and is pending further action.

Maddy summarySB 2398 upgrades penalties for filing false police reports about serious crimes. It makes it a felony to falsely report a crime that carries a 5- to 20-year prison sentence (with 1-5 years in prison for conviction) or a 20+ year sentence (with 5-20 years in prison). The bill directly affects individuals who knowingly submit false reports about violent or severe offenses, such as aggravated assault or homicide. It replaces the current misdemeanor penalty with stricter felony charges based on the severity of the underlying crime falsely reported.

Expands the duties of the small business ombudsman, by also having the ombudsman serve as the Rhode Island commerce corporation's small business advocate.

Redefines what constitutes a farm by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from $10,000 to $2500. It also expands the farm to include all agricultural operations, including forestry.

Maddy summarySB 2293, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges to designate athletic teams for students based on biological sex at birth (not gender identity), with teams for females, women, or girls open only to students assigned female at birth. It mandates verification of biological sex through a physician's statement documenting reproductive anatomy, natural testosterone levels, and genetic makeup, and prohibits male-identified students from joining female-designated teams. The bill protects schools from complaints or investigations for maintaining separate sex-based teams and allows students to sue if denied athletic opportunities due to violations. This directly affects public school athletic programs, college sports teams, and transgender student-athletes in the state.

Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.

Creates the joint committee of the repealer for a term of six (6) years to compile suggestions for repeal of certain statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

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.

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 is a commemorative resolution, not a law. It designates February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the American Revolutionary War (1778-1783). The resolution specifically recognizes their contributions, including their role at the Battle of Portsmouth in 1778, and expresses gratitude for their service. It has no legal effect on citizens or policies; it is a symbolic gesture to ensure this history is acknowledged, shared with historical organizations, and formally communicated to state and federal leaders.