Sen. Brian Thompson

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.

Authorizes the sale of THC-infused beverages to be regulated by the DBR division of commercial licensing. It also establishes licensing and an endorsement process for wholesale and retail THC-infused beverages.

Restricts private vehicle property damage insurance coverage for a rental passenger vehicle, to the named insured and drivers listed on that private policy, unless the designated driver is specifically excluded.

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

Amends sections of law relative to historic tax credits including increasing the maximum project credit and implementing requirements relative to following prevailing wage requirements..

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.

Protects the rights of employees in the workplace relating to free speech, assembly and religion, as well as attendance at employer-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious matters.

Maddy summarySB 932 extends a temporary rule allowing nonprofit organizations that sponsor special license plates to order as few as 150 plates per design (instead of the standard 600) without needing full prepayment. This change, originally set to expire December 31, 2025, is made permanent by the bill. It directly affects nonprofits that create custom plates for causes like charities or community groups, reducing their financial barrier to launching new designs. The bill repeals the expiration date, ensuring the lower minimum order requirement continues indefinitely.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's SB 792, the "Rhode Island Kratom Act," authorizes and regulates the sale and distribution of kratom products within the state. It prohibits selling kratom in food/beverage forms, synthetic alkaloids (like synthetic mitragynine), combustible products, or items appealing to minors, and sets strict limits on heavy metals and concentration levels (e.g., no more than 150mg mitragynine per serving). The law requires all kratom products to be sold in child-resistant packaging and include specific health warnings, dosage information, and FDA disclaimers. It establishes licensing requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure compliance with these safety and labeling standards. The bill became law after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on July 2, 2025.