Sen. Gordon Rogers

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new municipal court for the town of Foster, Rhode Island, to handle local legal matters. The court will have the authority to hear cases involving violations of town ordinances and a separate housing court division to address zoning and building code issues. It grants the court power to issue fines of up to $500, order repairs or demolitions, and manage court operations, while allowing defendants to appeal decisions to the superior court. The town council is responsible for appointing judges and clerks and setting the rules and fees for the court.

Provides that supported decision-making pursuant to chapter 66.13 of title 42 be added to the Limited Guardianship and Guardianship of Adults forms section as one of the less restrictive alternatives to guardianship that have been explored.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for drivers who crash into deer and suffer significant vehicle damage. It requires these drivers to report the accident to a conservation officer within 24 hours. If the officer confirms the damage, the driver gets a certificate allowing them to keep and eat the deer, provided it is shared only with their immediate family. The law also gives drivers the first right to claim the animal and directs the Department of Environmental Management to create specific rules for handling these carcasses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Scituate to issue $3.5 million in bonds to fund construction and improvement projects at its local schools. The legislation allows the town to borrow this money through a specific state corporation to pay for necessary capital upgrades, a plan that was already approved by the town council and local voters. It includes a condition that any specific school projects funded by these bonds must first be approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education to qualify for potential state reimbursement. Once signed into law, the town can proceed with issuing the debt to finance these educational facilities.

Deletes subsection (b) of this section which lists the furbearing mammals in the state and requires DEM to promulgate by rule, a list of "furbearers" for this chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the procedures for handling unclaimed human remains in Rhode Island by clarifying when a body is considered unclaimed and must be buried. It requires the Office of State Medical Examiners to release a deceased person's body to relatives or domestic partners and covers the cost of transport if an autopsy was required. The law defines a domestic partner as someone in an exclusive, cohabiting relationship for at least one year who meets specific financial and legal criteria. If the family or designated partners fail to claim the body or arrange for its removal within set timeframes, or if no family can be found, the state will arrange for burial and seek reimbursement from the deceased's estate.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Jim Hoyt, the long-time CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, for receiving the 2024 Masters and Mentors Award from the Boys & Girls Club of America. The bill recognizes his nearly five decades of service and leadership, highlighting his dedication to mentoring youth and fostering a supportive environment for thousands of young people. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Mr. Hoyt as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to the community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the death of Jason Alan Golditch, a long-time employee of the Rhode Island General Assembly's Office of Capitol Television. The document honors his thirty-six-year career and personal life, noting his roles as a producer, journalist, and devoted family man. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Golditch's wife, Lynda, and his family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Pawtuxet Rangers, a historic Rhode Island militia group established in 1774. The document highlights the unit's long legacy of service, including its role in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Dorr Rebellion, as well as its modern reactivation in 1972. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the current commanding officer of the Pawtuxet Rangers.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses official support for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2024 "Light The Night" walk event scheduled for September 22, 2024. The bill encourages all Rhode Islanders to participate in the evening walk, which begins at the State House and aims to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient support services. By passing this measure, the Senate authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the event's campaign manager, Laura Lanni. The document serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a law that changes specific regulations or policies.