Sen. Thomas Paolino

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 280 updates Rhode Island law to replace "state marshals" with "capitol police" in lists of law enforcement officers exempt from firearm restrictions. The bill specifically amends two statutes (11-47-9 and 11-47-35.1) to ensure capitol police officers qualify for the same exemptions as other sworn law enforcement personnel. This means capitol police officers, like state marshals previously, can carry concealed firearms while on duty without violating state firearm laws. The change directly affects capitol police officers by formally including them in the exemption list. The bill became effective without the governor's signature on June 26, 2025.

Prohibits casualty insurers from assessing any premium surcharge or penalty against an insured solely for inquiring about the terms of the insured's policy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 1160), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Savini family following the passing of Roger A. Savini, a Woonsocket restaurant owner and community member. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Micheline Savini. It has no policy impact or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution condemns the June 14, 2025, shooting that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. It expresses sympathy to the affected families and was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 17, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally denounces political violence. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies to Minnesota officials.

Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

Increases the net taxable estate exemption to $3,600,000 on January 1, 2026 and increases the exemption by $1,000,000 on January 1, 2027, and every year thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a funding resolution appropriating $100,000 from the state treasury for the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias for fiscal year 2025-2026. The commission, established in 1981, studies prejudice and bias, provides mandatory hate crime training for law enforcement, and assists victims of hate crimes. The resolution addresses declining federal and state grant funding that has hindered the commission's ability to fulfill its statutory duties. The funds will be distributed through the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the commission's fiscal agent. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change.