Sen. Gordon Rogers

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences on the passing of Honorable Joseph A. Abbate, a former judge and public servant from Lincoln. The bill formally acknowledges his distinguished career, which included roles as a municipal judge, director of the Law Revision Office, and long-time community leader. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Abbate's surviving family members as a gesture of sympathy.

Increases the number of days a retired municipal employee could work in a calendar year without interruption of pension benefits to ninety (90) days or its equivalent of six hundred thirty (630) hours.

Maddy summarySB 2034 requires all health insurance plans sold in the state to cover at least one type of buprenorphine (used for opioid use disorder treatment) without any copayment or deductible for every 12-month plan year. It applies directly to insured individuals in the state who use these insurance plans, starting January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that plans provide this coverage for all forms of buprenorphine administration, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for this medication. Plans may still apply deductibles for health savings account (HSA) pairs, but early implementation before 2027 is permitted.

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Provides that every gas distribution company that charges for the distribution of gas to any house or building would need to include certain information on any bill or statement provided to the consumer.

Maddy summarySR 2657 is a non-binding joint resolution urging the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study and potentially regulate the impact of wake boats on public waterways. It directly affects DEM, which would be required to conduct this study, and indirectly affects wake boat operators and public waterway users by potentially leading to future regulations. The resolution does not create new law but requests DEM investigate how wake boats affect water quality, safety, and ecosystems before considering regulatory action. This is a procedural step focused on gathering data, not implementing immediate changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese American community. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state officials, the Portuguese government, and local organizations. While it does not alter laws or funding, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the cultural, economic, and historical contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state.

Maddy summarySB 2109 prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from requiring or conducting insurance reviews for prescriptions used to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. Specifically, it blocks reviews for medications containing methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, or for any FDA-approved medication managing opioid withdrawal. The bill directly affects patients seeking addiction treatment and insurers/pharmacy managers handling these prescriptions. It also requires Medicaid managed care organizations to use state-set medical necessity criteria for reviews. The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, noting that Bristol hosts the oldest continuous Independence Day event in the United States. The bill specifically recognizes several 2026 honorees, including the event's general chairwoman, chief marshal, speakers, and representatives, for their leadership and service to the community. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to these individuals as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions.