Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Department of Children, Youth and Families to issue licenses for mobile response and stabilization services, which are programs designed to provide immediate support to children and families in crisis situations. The legislation directly affects child welfare agencies and organizations that operate these mobile services by bringing them under the same regulatory framework as other licensed child care and foster care facilities. Key provisions would require these mobile programs to meet specific licensing standards and undergo regular monitoring to ensure they provide safe and effective care. The bill aims to expand oversight of crisis intervention services while maintaining consistent standards across different types of child welfare programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow restaurants and other food service establishments in Rhode Island to accept reusable containers brought by customers for filling or refilling with takeout food and drinks. The legislation defines consumer-provided containers as durable, cleanable receptacles that are structurally sound and free from contamination, and it requires the Department of Health to update food safety rules by July 2027 to permit this practice. The bill also mandates that the department create and publish guidance materials for businesses on inspecting containers, preventing cross-contamination, and following safe operational procedures. Importantly, the law does not require establishments to accept or fill customer-provided containers, leaving that decision to individual businesses.

Raises the minimum threshold contract price before public works contractors are required to pay prevailing wages to their employees, from $1,000 to $100,000.

Allows nonprofit organizations to participate in permitted games of chance upon registering with the state police on an annual basis. The nonprofit would be exempt from any required background checks by local law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the minimum veterans' property tax exemption from $1,000 to $6,000 for municipal taxes. It directly affects veterans who own taxable property, allowing them to deduct a larger portion of their property value from their tax bill. The change would apply to local property taxes rather than state taxes, reducing the amount of tax owed by eligible veterans. The measure is currently under review by the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee and has been held for further study.

Makes several amendments to the cannabis act relating to applications for licensure, the social equity assistance program and the application of cannabis tax revenue.

Maddy summarySB 2276 repeals the state's current law on unreasonable noise levels, which set specific limits (such as sound audible 100 feet away or penetrating a vehicle from 20 feet) and replaces it with a provision allowing cities and towns to establish their own local noise control ordinances. Municipalities will be able to set their own maximum sound levels for different activities, considering factors like time of day, proximity to homes, and whether noise comes from residential or commercial sources. The bill removes state-level noise restrictions but does not impose new state regulations, shifting responsibility for noise control to local governments. This change takes effect upon passage.

Amends Rhode Island's standard fire insurance policy by codifying uniform, transparent appraisal procedures and payment obligations that reflect contemporary claim-handling practices while preserving long-standing consumer protections.

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.