Sen. Bob Britto

Maddy summarySB 2171 changes how government job classifications are reviewed for promotions. It removes "supervising other employees" as a factor considered when determining eligibility for position upgrades under the merit system. This directly affects public employees whose job classifications are assessed through the OPA desk audit process. The bill amends existing rules to focus classification decisions on other criteria, not supervisory responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer screening and education. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology. The resolution recognizes the state's commitment to improving access to colorectal cancer screenings and honors past advocacy efforts in the area.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

Provides that stores offering food product discounts must provide the same discounts to in-store customers that are offered to customers using electronic digital coupons.

Maddy summarySB 2642 would establish new regulations to prevent grocery stores in Rhode Island from using coercive tactics that pressure consumers into unwanted purchases or fees, such as requiring additional items to access discounts. The bill creates a dedicated legal framework within commercial law to specifically prohibit these unfair practices. This directly affects all grocery stores operating in Rhode Island and protects consumers from being subjected to such tactics. The policy change focuses on defining and banning these specific coercive behaviors through enforceable rules.

Merges the coastal resources management council with the department of environmental management and creates the bureau of coastal resources management within the department of environmental management.

Enacts the Old Growth Forest Protection Act to provide protection for state-owned forestland in their natural state prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land.

Provides that original equipment manufacturers, implemented by/with surrogate distributors, of agricultural equipment, provide to independent service providers repair information and tools to maintain and repair electronics-enabled agricultural equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a long-term care reform system in Rhode Island that prioritizes funding for home and community-based services over institutional care for people aged 65 and older and adults with disabilities. It directs the state to allocate at least 50% of Medicaid long-term care funding toward community-based options while maintaining financial stability for existing services. The legislation creates a tiered eligibility system with common income standards for both institutional and home-based care, and includes protections for current nursing home residents who might otherwise lose coverage if they transition to community settings. Additionally, the bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living services by 13% starting in 2027 and consolidates various home and community-based service programs into a single system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences to the D'Adamo family following the death of Vincent D'Adamo, Jr., a longtime Providence resident and pharmacist. The bill formally acknowledges his life, including his military service in the Korean War, his career running a pharmacy in North Providence, and his community involvement. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Mr. D'Adamo's children, Julie Persechino and Sandra Bucci.