Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a statewide program managed by Grow Smart RI to revitalize commercial districts like downtowns, retail corridors, and neighborhood centers. It authorizes $500,000 in state funding to implement the proven "Main Street Four Points Approach," including training, networking, technical assistance, and resources for local communities. The program will operate for three years under the Commerce Corporation’s oversight, with Grow Smart RI handling coordination and annual reporting on goals like hiring a coordinator and hosting educational events. It directly affects Rhode Island’s municipalities and business districts seeking to boost economic activity, tourism, and community vitality through a centralized, state-supported initiative.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 830 adjusts vehicle registration fees for leased vehicles. It allows owners of vehicles leased for 36 months to renew registration for one additional year to match lease expiration, with fees adjusted accordingly (Section 1). The bill also updates the registration fee schedule by clarifying existing weight-based rates for cars, trucks, and trailers (Section 2), including specific fees for different gross weight categories. This directly affects lessees of vehicles under 36-month leases and the DMV’s fee collection process. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on July 2, 2025.
Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person receives a credit for the time remaining on the original registration to be applied to a future registration.
Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.
Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.
Amends sections of law relative to historic tax credits including increasing the maximum project credit and implementing requirements relative to following prevailing wage requirements..
Maddy summarySB 610 strengthens consumer protections for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance policies in the state. It prohibits insurers from excluding benefits for preexisting conditions after a 6-month waiting period and bans policies that duplicate Medicare coverage. The bill guarantees beneficiaries (including those under 65 with disabilities) access to Plan A policies without medical underwriting or health-based eligibility checks during specific enrollment periods. It also requires the insurance commissioner to establish standards for policy terms, premium rates, and claims practices to ensure fairness and transparency.
Makes numerous technical corrections related to insurance, provides a definition for "cybersecurity insurance", and would repeal the chapter relating to reciprocal exchanges and interinsurers.
Maddy summarySB 238, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing or restricting materials based on the creator's identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) or viewpoint. It defines censorship narrowly, excluding only obscene material (per legal standards) or content deemed developmentally inappropriate by recognized authorities like the ALA. The law requires libraries to adopt policies ensuring challenged materials remain available during review, establish formal reconsideration processes with 30-day timelines, and mandate written justifications for removals. These rules apply directly to public library boards, school committees, and librarians managing collections across the state.
Establishes that a renewable energy resource shall pay $5.00 per kilowatt of alternating current nameplate capacity for tangible property and $3.50 per kilowatt of alternating nameplate capacity for real property.