Sen. Bob Britto

Maddy summaryThis bill amends laws governing Rhode Island's environmental funds to allow money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration and Response Fund to support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce emissions. It authorizes the legislature to allocate up to $250,000 annually from this fund specifically for research, monitoring, and climate projects directed by the council. Additionally, the bill updates the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act to include climate-related initiatives as an eligible use of funds for cleaning up petroleum leaks. These changes expand how existing state resources can be utilized to address both oil spill prevention and broader climate goals.

Requires that public utilities plan utility work in accordance with the state transportation improvement program schedules when working on state roads.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Jim Hoyt, the long-time CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, for receiving the 2024 Masters and Mentors Award from the Boys & Girls Club of America. The bill recognizes his nearly five decades of service and leadership, highlighting his dedication to mentoring youth and fostering a supportive environment for thousands of young people. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Mr. Hoyt as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's existing Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights by renaming it the Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act. It directly affects permanently employed police officers, state troopers, and other sworn law enforcement employees, excluding department chiefs and top-ranking administrators. The key provisions establish a new five-member hearing committee with a mix of judges, attorneys, and officers to review complaints against officers, while also mandating that legal fees for this committee be split evenly between the agency and the accused officer. Additionally, the law requires that investigations be conducted at reasonable hours, allows officers to have legal counsel present during interrogations, and ensures officers are fully informed of the specific complaints and names of complainants before questioning begins.

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the death of Jason Alan Golditch, a long-time employee of the Rhode Island General Assembly's Office of Capitol Television. The document honors his thirty-six-year career and personal life, noting his roles as a producer, journalist, and devoted family man. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Golditch's wife, Lynda, and his family.

Maddy summarySB 2687 expands an existing incentive pay program to include all full-time court clerks who meet specific educational requirements. The bill applies to clerks in the supreme, superior, family, and district courts, as well as administrators of the workers' compensation court, allowing them to earn additional compensation for obtaining degrees in court administration or law enforcement. Eligibility is based on having already earned the required degree, having completed half the necessary credits, or being currently enrolled in a degree program as of July 5, 1994. The act also clarifies that incentive payments will not be given to clerks hired after that date or to those who no longer hold a clerk position.

Provides that the fifth day in April in each year be designated as "Rhode Island Gold Star Spouses Day" with appropriate exercises in public places and with flags flown at half-staff over the state house.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new license for renewable energy professionals to allow them to perform specific non-electrical tasks related to solar installations, such as mounting equipment and installing support brackets. To obtain this license, applicants must pass an exam demonstrating proficiency in solar technology and pay an additional $72 fee. While these professionals can handle mechanical aspects of solar projects, the bill mandates that all electrical connections and system energization must still be completed by a licensed electrician. The changes primarily affect contractors and individuals seeking to enter the solar industry by defining a distinct role separate from traditional electrical contracting.

Reduces the time, from three (3) years to one year, required for a nonimmigrant foreign national student, who has resided in Rhode Island, to be eligible to pay the same in-state tuition as any other Rhode Island student.