Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.
Maddy summarySB 814 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct by law enforcement officers, public safety officials, or hospital staff. The bill penalizes individuals who submit false reports with up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory restitution to the falsely accused person for damages. It specifically targets false reports filed with the intent that they be relied upon by authorities, covering both criminal reports and official misconduct complaints. The bill is currently in committee (held for further study after a March 2025 hearing) and would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summarySB 377 establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act" to prevent state regulation of broadband services like VoIP and internet-based communications. It requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to submit data on speeds, technology, and coverage to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, which will create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map. This map will identify underserved areas and guide infrastructure planning, using data from ISPs, speed tests, and public sources. The bill aims to ensure all Rhode Island residents and businesses have access to reliable, affordable, and robust broadband service by prioritizing transparency over regulatory barriers.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 882) congratulating high school students and schools that won Rhode Island's 2025 ProStart® competition. It specifically honors students from William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School (Culinary and Foodservice teams) and Chariho Area Career & Technical Center (Hospitality & Tourism team), who will represent Rhode Island at the national competition. The resolution has no policy impact - it formally expresses Senate support and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the winning schools.
Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.
Maddy summarySB 561 presumes property owners or occupants acted in reasonable self-defense if a person committing a violent crime (such as assault or burglary) is injured or killed while on their premises, provided the criminal was lawfully present. It creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent serious harm, and removes the requirement to retreat from such threats. This applies to violent offenses enumerated in the bill, directly affecting property owners defending against violent intruders. The bill does not change criminal liability but shifts the initial legal presumption in favor of the property owner during prosecution.
Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.
Adds a rebuttable defense if any person shall die or sustain a personal injury while committing robbery of the owner, lessor, or occupant of a motor vehicle and that the owner or occupant of the vehicle acted in self-defense.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 881) formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state, highlighting their roles in mental health, substance use treatment, advocacy for marginalized communities, and addressing crises like homelessness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter (NASW-RI). It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of social workers' impact on Rhode Island communities.
Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators and establish a presumption of personal recognizance unless the new alleged offense is a crime of violence as defined in the act.
