Sen. Ana Quezada

Maddy summarySB 193 requires health insurance plans (including group plans and individual policies) to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment on the same terms as physical health care. Key provisions include banning annual or lifetime dollar limits, ensuring cost-sharing (like copays) matches primary care, and prohibiting stricter restrictions (such as prior authorizations) for mental health services. The bill mandates insurers to use established clinical standards - like those from the American Society of Addiction Medicine - to determine coverage levels. This directly affects all insured individuals seeking mental health or addiction treatment, ensuring parity in coverage with medical conditions.

Maddy summarySB 63 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's law. It specifies that a felony is any offense punishable by more than one year in prison or a fine over $1,000; a misdemeanor is punishable by 6 months to 364 days in prison or a fine up to $1,000; and a petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine up to $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in legal texts should be interpreted as 364 days. This change directly affects all criminal cases classified under these categories, ensuring consistent application of penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Establishes a compact agreement among at least two (2) states to prohibit the use of subsidies to selectively retain industry or company entice relocation from one state to another state or to open a new facility.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 371) commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2025. It formally recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence, the contributions of Dominicans to Rhode Island (including the estimated 54,000 Dominican residents and their community impact), and the strong U.S.-Dominican relationship. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic, expressing the Senate's acknowledgment of this historical milestone and the Dominican-American community's role in Rhode Island. It does not affect any individuals, policies, or government operations.

Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

Maddy summarySB 230 allows school administrators in Rhode Island to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a safety threat to others, not just for disruptive behavior. For students in preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional to ensure safety concerns cannot be addressed through support. The bill also mandates schools to annually review discipline data for racial, ethnic, or disability disparities and submit public reports on disciplinary actions, including use of force and referrals to law enforcement. These changes aim to clarify suspension criteria while increasing transparency around school discipline practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 252) authorizes a $2,000,000 appropriation from the state treasury to fund the Elisha Project for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit, uses these funds to combat food insecurity across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley, by providing meals and support services. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation, directly supporting the organization’s existing operations serving families, children, veterans, and communities. It is a procedural funding measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 224) designates February 11, 2025, as "The 2nd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War. It directly recognizes the contributions of these soldiers - many formerly enslaved - who fought for American independence and their valor at the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with state officials, historical organizations, and the Newport County NAACP to promote public awareness of this history. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy but formally acknowledges a historical contribution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences on the passing of Rufina Delizo Rice, wife of former Rhode Island Representative Michael Rice. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Michael Rice and his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond honoring her life and legacy. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on February 11, 2025.