Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1164), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as the sixth President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), noting she is the first alumna and second woman to hold this role. The resolution highlights her career path as a CCRI nursing graduate, faculty member, and interim president, including her leadership during a period of institutional growth. It contains no policy changes, funding, or obligations - it is purely an honorary gesture to recognize her appointment and achievements. The Senate passed it on June 21, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.

Maddy summarySB 970 prohibits restrictive covenants that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on property where fresh food is sold for off-premises consumption. It directly affects property owners, developers, and grocery retailers by banning such restrictions unless specific relocation conditions are met. The key provision allows exceptions only if a store closes, the seller purchases new land within ½ mile, opens a similar-sized store within one year, and the covenant expires within 18 months of closure. This bill aims to prevent barriers to grocery access by making most land-use restrictions related to grocery stores unenforceable.

Requires at fault insurance companies to provide to any claimant whose vehicle is damaged in an accident, to provide a vehicle that is comparable to the claimant’s vehicle and that rental charges shall be based on local retail prices.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 1160), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Savini family following the passing of Roger A. Savini, a Woonsocket restaurant owner and community member. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Micheline Savini. It has no policy impact or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.

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.

Maddy summarySB 171 would allow Rhode Island's executive office of health and human services to use state funds to support graduate medical education programs at academic medical centers serving critically ill and indigent patients. The bill directs these centers to receive funding for training in key areas like trauma, primary care, maternal health, mental health, and substance abuse. It requires the health office to establish annual Medicaid payment mechanisms to distribute these funds. If passed, this would change how state Medicaid funds support medical residency programs, though it remains pending Senate approval as of June 17, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 913 requires all new contractor applicants in Rhode Island to submit a legible copy of government-issued identification as part of their registration application. This adds to existing requirements like business details, insurance documentation, and tax information. The bill applies only to new registration applications, not to current registered contractors or renewal processes. It does not change other provisions of the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1113 requires contractors working on Rhode Island public projects (like construction or school transportation) to provide actual healthcare and pension benefits to employees instead of paying cash equivalents. Specifically, starting July 1, 2024, contractors cannot pay employees cash for healthcare benefits (except for those employed 90 days or less), and starting July 1, 2025, they cannot pay cash for pension benefits (again, except for short-term employees). Contractors must provide proof of actual benefit purchases to employees and their bargaining agents, and violations carry $1,000-$3,000 penalties per incident. The bill directly affects public works contractors and their employees, ensuring benefits are delivered as intended rather than replaced with cash.

Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.