Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $250 or no more than $1,000 and up to 11 months imprisonment for violating the law on the care of dogs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Rhode Island Governor to order an analysis of why the state's Veterans Home in Bristol cannot hire enough staff to operate at full capacity. The requested study will examine specific issues such as wages, shift pay, housing, and career opportunities to understand the root causes of the staffing shortage. Based on the findings, the Governor must create a plan to reach full occupancy and include those recommendations in the upcoming state budget. This measure directly affects the Veterans Home, the state's Department of Administration, and the budget process for the 2027-2028 fiscal year.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Joseph Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics and a native of Rhode Island, on receiving the 2025-2026 NBA Coach of the Year award. The document highlights his achievements, including leading the team to a strong record and playoff success despite the absence of star player Jayson Tatum due to injury. It also notes his history of developing players and his previous success in college basketball. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Coach Mazzulla.
Allows, but not require, local licensing authorities to grant temporary periods for extended indoor service hours under existing liquor licenses for certain 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament matches.
Expands the benefit definitions of temporary care giver leave to include a grandchild and care recipient and would increase a leave benefits period to 10 weeks for 2027 and twelve 12 weeks for 2028.
Maddy summarySB 2392 requires school departments to make GPS data about the real-time location and speed of school buses available electronically to parents or guardians of students transported by those buses. This directly affects families whose children ride school buses, allowing them to track bus movements during transportation. The bill mandates that all new school buses (starting July 1, 2027) and all school buses (by July 1, 2032) must include this GPS data capability alongside video monitoring systems. The law ensures this data access complies with privacy laws and does not interfere with law enforcement.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 28, 2026, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" throughout Rhode Island. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to patient care and public health within the state. By declaring this specific date, the resolution encourages citizens and healthcare organizations to participate in events that highlight the role of pharmacy professionals in shaping healthcare policy. Additionally, the Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England for their long-standing work in empowering girls through leadership and community service. The bill formally expresses gratitude to the organization and its volunteers for their contributions to youth development and environmental stewardship in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Dana Borrelli-Murray, as a gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows county and statewide grand juries in Rhode Island to issue public reports on matters involving code of ethics violations or other public concerns, provided at least twelve jurors agree to the report. The legislation establishes a review process where the superior court examines each report to ensure it is based on evidence, gives named individuals a chance to respond, and removes confidential or prejudicial information before making it public. Named individuals in the reports can appeal the decision to release them to the state supreme court, and the court may seal reports if they could interfere with ongoing criminal cases. The changes apply to both county and statewide grand juries, which will now have the authority to investigate and publish findings beyond traditional indictments.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all vehicles operating within Rhode Island to display a permanent U.S. Department of Transportation number starting April 1, 2027. The rule applies to commercial motor vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds, those transporting hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to carry more than eight passengers for compensation. Several exemptions exist for government-owned vehicles, municipal transit buses, school buses, and driving school vehicles. Violations of the marking requirement or operating a vehicle declared out of service due to safety issues can result in fines.