Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summarySB 215 increases the minimum cash wage for tipped workers (like restaurant servers) from $3.89 to $6.75 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. It directly affects employees in restaurants, hotels, and similar service industries who rely on tips as part of their income, excluding taxicab drivers. The bill sets a new hourly cash wage floor that employers must pay, ensuring tipped workers earn at least $6.75/hour without relying on tip deductions. This change follows a phased increase schedule, raising the current $3.89 floor by $2.86 over time. The law applies to all qualifying employers in these industries and takes effect upon passage.

Establishes a task force managed by the children’s cabinet to develop recommendations to improve access to early intervention and early childhood special education services.

Establishes the E-Verify compliance program which would require all non-governmental employers within the state with 3 or more employees to apply to participate in the federal E-Verify program and to agree to participate in the program, if accepted.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 367), not a law with policy changes. It formally celebrates the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025, recognizing his career service as a Rhode Island State Police officer (20 years), U.S. Navy veteran (Korean Conflict), and security professional. The Senate passed the resolution on February 25, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Kenahan. It has no effect on laws, regulations, or any individual's rights or obligations.

Changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter.

Maddy summarySB 340 adds the purchase of animals from breeders to the list of taxable sales subject to the state's 6% sales tax. This directly affects breeders selling animals and buyers purchasing them, as they must now pay the tax on these transactions. The bill amends the sales tax law to explicitly include animal purchases, aligning them with other taxable retail sales. It takes effect upon passage without altering existing tax rates for other goods or services.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 219), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to Barbara Ozanian and her family following the death of James W. Ozanian, a longtime Woonsocket resident, U.S. Postal Service employee, and Vietnam War veteran. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Ozanian family. As a condolence resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 218) expressing condolences for George Martell Egan, a Woonsocket, RI resident known for his decades of service as an educator, high school hockey coach, and Boy Scout leader. The resolution formally honors his life and contributions, including his roles at Coventry High School, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, and Camp Yawgoog. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Egan's surviving siblings. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a policy bill. It designates January 19-25, 2025, as "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week" in Rhode Island to recognize CRNAs' contributions. The resolution formally acknowledges CRNAs' role in providing anesthesia care across all healthcare settings, including rural areas and military medicine. The Senate passed it to express appreciation for their work, with a copy sent to the Rhode Island Association of Nurse Anesthetists (RIANA). No new laws or regulations are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Martha Ball for her 50 years of public service to the Town of New Shoreham, including roles as Town Council member, Treasurer, and committee leader. It formally thanks her for her contributions to local governance, history, and community projects, and directs the Secretary of State to send her a certified copy. The resolution has no policy impact or financial effect - it is solely a gesture of appreciation.