Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summarySB 2718 increases fines for speeding violations in residential neighborhoods and school zones. It directly affects drivers who exceed speed limits in these specific areas. The bill establishes higher penalty amounts for speeding offenses occurring near homes or schools, aiming to enhance safety in vulnerable locations. This change modifies existing traffic penalty structures without altering speed limit laws themselves. The bill was introduced to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2026.

Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the community college of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.

Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.

Provides that when two or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

Requires all schools and educational institutions to develop and implement a school safety plan that would provide for immediate access to school facilities by first responders in an emergency.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the potential of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funds are designated for a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate within the state's coastal areas. The resolution aims to evaluate whether seagliders can support local economic goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation options, without making any guarantees about their future implementation.

Maddy summarySB 2746 directs the Division of Motor Vehicles to create a special license plate for individuals working in the manufacturing industry. This bill does not change vehicle registration laws but adds a new plate option specifically for manufacturing workers. The key mechanism is the administrative creation of this plate type by the Division of Motor Vehicles. It directly affects manufacturing industry employees who choose to display this specialized plate on their vehicles.

Amends the audit compliance requirements for municipalities' contributions to pension plans under the budget of accounts and installation of systems chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees who are not currently represented by a union to form a group for collective bargaining with their employers. To establish such a group, workers must demonstrate majority support by submitting signed cards from at least 30% of employees to request an election, or by obtaining cards from more than 50% of employees to bypass the election process entirely. The legislation also prohibits state management personnel from encouraging or discouraging employees from exercising their rights and requires employers to provide specific employee information to the exclusive bargaining representative. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers notify the bargaining unit representative within five business days of hiring new employees and provides for union orientation sessions for new hires.

Transfers authority over the examination and licensing of telecommunications professionals to the state board of examiners of electricians and amends the composition of that body to require the inclusion of a telecommunications professional.