Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summarySenate Bill 891 requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at finding the best ways to lower energy rates for consumers in Rhode Island. Due by April 30, 2026, the study will investigate energy rates in other states and review current Rhode Island energy programs that contribute to costs. It also calls for recommendations to implement "energy notes" on future legislation to transparently show their impact on energy costs. An appropriation of $100,000 is provided to hire consultants and experts for this study.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 990, known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE ACT), establishes new regulations for individuals and businesses that charge fees to assist veterans with benefits claims. It prohibits upfront fees and mandates that compensation be contingent on an increase in benefits, capped at five times the monthly increase. The bill also restricts compensation for claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran waives free services. Additionally, it requires service providers to disclose their non-affiliation with government veterans' services and prohibits practices such as using international data centers for veteran personal information or accessing a veteran's accounts with their login credentials. Violations of these provisions could result in civil penalties.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends Rhode Island's Works Program to remove a waiting period for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) seeking cash assistance benefits. Previously, these individuals faced a delay before accessing benefits, even if otherwise eligible. The bill directly affects lawful permanent residents enrolled in the state's cash assistance program by allowing immediate access to benefits upon meeting other eligibility requirements. This change modifies Section 40-5.2-10(a)(2) of the General Laws, eliminating the prior waiting period requirement for this group. The policy shift focuses solely on updating eligibility rules without altering other program conditions.

Maddy summarySB 100 eliminates the sunset date for child care assistance for eligible child care educators and staff working at least 20 hours weekly in licensed facilities. This permanent change (previously set to expire July 2025) ensures ongoing funding for these workers to access child care while they work, directly affecting early childhood educators and staff providing services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill requires the department to provide this assistance without time limits, maintaining the same eligibility criteria as current programs. This policy change specifically modifies Section (k) of the Rhode Island Works Program, making a temporary provision permanent for affected child care professionals.

Changes term vicious to dangerous dogs, expands on requirements relative to leashes, enclosures, addresses fines, requires signage, mandates dangerous dogs be kept in enclosure and provides other requirements.

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.

Establishes a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles. Rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter to be promulgated by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles.

Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, each year for the next 3 years, be trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Heimlich maneuver/bleeding control.