Sen. Gordon Rogers

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 372) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Murphy family following the passing of John M. Murphy. It formally recognizes his life and contributions, including his career as a banking executive, philanthropy supporting institutions like Providence College and St. Joseph's Hospital, and his service on the Providence City Council. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to Grace Murphy and her family. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 370) formally declares February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to the state's social, economic, and cultural development, referencing Rhode Island's role in Black history and the 2025 national theme focused on "African Americans and Labor." The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups; it is a symbolic gesture of acknowledgment. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, and media to replace stigmatizing terms (like "addict" or "clean") with respectful, person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder"). It directs state entities to review all official materials for non-stigmatizing language and requires future substance use policies to be developed with input from the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on changing communication practices to reduce stigma and support recovery. It was passed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 284, the "Parents' Bill of Rights Act," establishes specific parental rights regarding minor children's health, education, and welfare in Rhode Island. It requires schools to notify parents about their child's health and well-being, mandates written parental consent for most medical procedures (excluding abortions and certain lab services), and guarantees parents access to school and medical records. The bill explicitly prohibits schools and healthcare providers from infringing on these rights without demonstrating a compelling state interest and ensures parents can direct their child's education and moral upbringing. Violations by healthcare providers could result in misdemeanor charges or fines up to $1,000 per offense, as outlined in the bill's enforcement provisions.

Maddy summarySB 149 limits the maximum duration of a state of emergency declared by the governor to 60 days without legislative approval. It allows an initial 30-day emergency period, followed by one 30-day renewal (totaling 60 days) without legislative action. To extend an emergency beyond 60 days, the state legislature must pass a joint resolution. This change directly affects the governor's authority to maintain emergency powers and requires legislative oversight for longer emergencies.

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 163) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the family of Anthony V. Arico following his passing. It recognizes his 30-year career as Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, his military service, and his decades of community and political involvement in Barrington. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Joan G. Arico. As a symbolic gesture of respect, it has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation.

Maddy summarySB 89 adds ethical energy standards to the state's 2021 Act on Climate. It requires the climate council to annually study whether state climate programs shift environmental or labor impacts onto developing countries, including tracking mining conditions for materials like lithium and cobalt. The bill also mandates that solar permit applicants set aside funds for end-of-life panel recycling, requires wind turbine blades to be recycled or disposed of within the state (with limited exceptions), and establishes renewable energy credit programs that exclude electricity from facilities using child labor or certain toxic materials in manufacturing. These provisions directly affect state agencies, energy developers, and utility companies implementing climate policies.

Requires as part of the solar permit application an assessment on carbon-neutral, a solar permit would only be approved if it was carbon neutral based on the assessment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $30 million ($100,000 per school) from the 2025-2026 state capital budget to fund safety and security upgrades at all Rhode Island public schools. It directly affects over 300 public schools by authorizing funds for specific improvements like access control systems, audio-visual equipment, and communication technology. The resolution requires the state controller to disburse funds upon receipt of verified vouchers, with no additional legislative action needed beyond the appropriation.