Sen. Ryan Pearson

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $2,000,000 from the state treasury for the Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit serving food-insecure families across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley. The funding supports the organization's existing operations, including providing meals and necessities to vulnerable communities, with specific programs for children, veterans, and families. The Elisha Project has previously served over 20 million meals, and this resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse the funds upon verified requests. It directly affects the Elisha Project's ability to expand services as food insecurity needs grow, without creating new policy or altering existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Barbara Dennen, not a substantive bill. It formally extends the Senate's deepest sympathy to her husband William Dennen and family following her passing. The resolution memorializes her life, highlighting her roles as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community member in Cumberland. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her family. (1 sentence summary as it is procedural.)

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution (SR 2067) condemns unauthorized U.S. military actions and violations of foreign sovereignty, specifically referencing recent events involving Venezuela's leader Nicolás Maduro. It calls for all military force abroad to require explicit Congressional approval, aligning with a recent U.S. Senate resolution. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send certified copies to the U.S. President, Congress, and Rhode Island's congressional delegation. It does not create new laws but formally expresses the state Senate's position on interventionist policies.

Maddy summarySB 2043 requires owners of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) not occupied by family members or caretakers to rent them only at rates considered "affordable" under existing state law (§ 42-128-8.1). This directly affects ADU owners who rent to non-family tenants, mandating compliance with statewide affordable housing definitions. The bill also prohibits ADUs from being used for tourist rentals and voids private restrictions (like HOA rules) that conflict with these requirements. It does not change ADU construction rules but ensures rental rates for non-family-occupied units align with state affordability standards.

Maddy summarySB 2038 caps the size of accessory dwelling units (ADUs, or small secondary homes on residential lots) at 900 square feet for one-bedroom units and 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom units. It requires all municipalities to follow uniform statewide rules, prohibiting excessive fees, parking mandates, or restrictions based on family status or income for ADU applications. The bill also prevents local governments from imposing extra lot requirements, limiting ADUs to pre-existing homes, or restricting ADUs in new developments. Homeowners, property owners, and local zoning authorities are directly affected by these standardized size limits and procedural rules.

Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.

Under certain circumstances, provides immunity from arrest and prosecution for prostitution, procurement of sexual conduct for a fee, loitering for prostitution and soliciting from motor vehicles for indecent purposes.

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

Maddy summarySB 487 prohibits all licensed healthcare facilities (such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes) from asking patients about their legal immigration status or requiring proof of U.S. residency. This applies to every patient regardless of their immigration status, ensuring that facilities cannot deny care or ask for such information during treatment. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add a clear standard (section 19) explicitly banning these questions, with no exceptions for facility staff or billing processes. It takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, which occurred on July 1, 2025. This policy change directly protects patients’ privacy and access to care without altering other healthcare services or billing requirements.

Protect the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.