Sen. Bob Britto

Maddy summarySB 648 requires veterinarians to provide a consultation to pet owners whenever they prescribe or dispense medication for an animal patient during an outpatient visit. The consultation must cover the drug's name, dosage, administration instructions, storage, actions for missed doses, and serious side effects, including manufacturer warnings when available. Veterinarians may delegate this task to vet technicians or assistants and must document whether the consultation was offered or declined in the animal's medical record. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects veterinarians and their clients by standardizing medication communication.

Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.

Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and child care centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.

Maddy summarySB 207 updates the legal terminology in a state law prohibiting child sexual abuse material by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material" throughout the statute. The bill does not change the legal definitions, penalties, or prohibited activities - such as producing, distributing, or possessing such material - or the affirmative defenses available to defendants. It specifically clarifies that the law covers visual depictions of minors in sexually explicit conduct, with penalties remaining unchanged (up to 15 years in prison for production/distribution, up to 5 years for possession). The bill focuses solely on terminology to align with current legal and advocacy standards, without altering any policy or enforcement mechanisms.

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

Maddy summarySB 598 requires all drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation in Rhode Island - including taxi drivers, bus operators, and ride-sharing (TNC) drivers - to pass a national and state criminal background check before transporting passengers. The check covers serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, DUI causing death, and certain drug or weapon crimes, with disqualifying information reported to the Division of Public Utilities. Drivers must pay for the check, receive a clearance certificate valid for five years, and can appeal denials by demonstrating rehabilitation for past convictions. The bill excludes juvenile records and some minor offenses from consideration, ensuring only relevant criminal history impacts eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 604 amends Rhode Island's Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association law to clarify claim payment limits and assessment rules for insurers facing insolvency. It sets specific caps: $10,000 per policy for unearned premiums, $1 million for property losses (after 2025), and lower limits for older claims. The bill directly affects policyholders filing claims when insurers become insolvent and requires member insurers to pay assessments (capped at 2% of premiums) to cover these claims. The abstract's mention of a "home hardening program" appears inconsistent with the bill text, which focuses solely on adjusting the Guaranty Association's operational framework for handling insolvency claims.

Maddy summarySB 72 allows disabled veteran license plates to be transferred to a spouse under specific circumstances. Eligible veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities (like 100% disability rating or inability to work due to service) currently receive registration fee exemptions and "Disabled Veteran" plates. The bill adds that plates may be transferred to a veteran's spouse during the veteran's lifetime if the veteran can no longer operate a vehicle, or after the veteran's death to a surviving spouse (until remarriage). This change affects veterans and their spouses who qualify for the disabled veteran plate program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 762) commemorates the mathematical constant π (pi) by designating March 14th as a day to honor its history and significance. It encourages schools, organizations, and individuals to promote math education through activities on Pi Day, while recognizing contributions of mathematicians like Archimedes and Euler. The resolution has no binding effect but formally acknowledges π's role in science and education, directing the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Mathematics Teachers Association.

Maddy summarySB 539 amends filing fees required to appeal certain district court decisions. It mandates a $50 attorney fee for all civil appeals (paid to the opposing party's lawyer) plus a $75 filing fee (including processing and technology fees), with a minimum $25 in other costs. Landlord-tenant cases get a longer 5-day appeal window (including weekends/holidays) versus the standard 2-day window for other civil appeals. The changes apply to all parties appealing district court judgments and take effect January 1, 2026.