Sen. Thomas Paolino

Maddy summarySB 2610 creates a legal cause of action for pet owners whose dogs or cats (defined as household pets) are intentionally or negligently injured or killed under specific circumstances. It allows owners to seek noneconomic damages - compensation for loss of companionship, love, and affection - ranging from a minimum of $500 for injury to $750 for death, with a maximum cap of $7,500. The law applies only when the incident occurs on the owner’s property or while the pet is under the owner’s direct supervision. It excludes government agencies and nonprofits acting in public health or animal welfare roles, and defines "seriously injured" as requiring stitches for broken bones or permanent disfigurement.

Maddy summarySB 2155 would allow Rhode Island residents aged 21 or older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state-issued permit. Currently, Rhode Island law requires a permit for concealed carry, so this bill would eliminate that requirement. The key provision removes the permit mandate for eligible adults, directly affecting residents who wish to carry concealed handguns in public. This is a substantive policy change to the state's weapons regulations.

Allows attorney general to enter into agreements with other states to recognize a concealed handgun permit as valid and authorizes RI to recognize and honor a concealed weapon permit from out of state with certain requirements.

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.

Permits possession or use of device that muffles sound on any firearm longer than 17” in length and permits the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license.

Defines suitable person for purposes of concealed carry pistol permit establishes reasons and information needed for applying for the permit, an appeal process and provides that records are not public records.

Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.

Increases the penalties for reckless driving from a misdemeanor first offense to a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of between one thousand dollars ($1,000) and five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Maddy summarySB 2615 prohibits drivers from occupying the extreme left lane on limited access highways when not passing another vehicle. This rule directly affects drivers traveling on multi-lane highways, requiring them to move right if they are not overtaking slower traffic. The bill amends existing law to clarify that using the left lane for cruising (rather than passing) is a violation subject to existing fines. It takes effect upon passage and applies specifically to highways with multiple lanes where passing is the only permitted use of the left lane.