Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.
Maddy summarySB 2393 requires individuals making public records requests to provide their name and a valid mailing or email address to verify identity and enable communication. This change prohibits anonymous requests and ensures public bodies can properly respond to inquiries. The bill does not alter which records are public or impose new restrictions on record access, only establishing a minimum identification requirement for requesters.
Maddy summarySB 2530 requires all No. 2 distillate heating oil sold in the state for residential, commercial, or industrial use to contain increasing minimum percentages of bio-based products over time. It directly affects heating oil sellers and distributors, mandating specific compliance dates: starting at 2% in 2014, rising to 5% by 2021, and reaching 50% by 2035. The bill sets a phased schedule with annual or biennial increases, requiring adherence to B5, B10, B20, and B50 biodiesel blend standards by specified dates. This establishes concrete, time-bound requirements for heating oil composition without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.
Maddy summarySB 2694 prevents state fees for home modifications required to accommodate a veteran's disability, directly benefiting disabled veterans needing accessibility changes. The bill amends the state building code to prohibit local governments or agencies from charging fees for these specific modifications, such as installing ramps or grab bars. It applies to modifications mandated by a veteran's disability, ensuring no additional costs for essential accessibility improvements. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee, with no further action taken yet.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the state treasury to Onward We Learn for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are designated to support the Rhode Island GEAR UP program, which helps middle and high school students prepare for college and provides scholarships to cover postsecondary education costs. This money serves as the state's required matching contribution to a larger federal grant received by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. The resolution authorizes the state controller to issue payment orders to Onward We Learn once proper financial documentation is submitted.
Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the RI promise scholarship program or the RI hope scholarship program, after Rhode Island college has satisfied all eligible scholarships to be reimbursed to onward we learn.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 2026 as "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" throughout Rhode Island to raise awareness about communication disorders affecting millions of Americans. The bill encourages state agencies, including the Departments of Human Services and Elementary and Secondary Education, to organize events and screenings that highlight the importance of hearing and speech health. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant department heads and the Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association to facilitate participation in the campaign.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Rhode Island Medical Society for organizing the 2026 State House Advocacy Day event. It formally recognizes the physicians who participated in the gathering for their work in patient care and healthcare policy advocacy. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the medical society as an official acknowledgment of their contributions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates RIPIN, a Rhode Island nonprofit, on its 35th anniversary and recognizes its 35 years of supporting families with children who have special needs. The bill highlights how RIPIN provides peer-to-peer guidance, advocacy, and resources to help individuals navigate healthcare, special education, and aging services. By acknowledging RIPIN's role as a federally designated center, the resolution formally commends the organization's leadership and staff for their ongoing contributions to the state's safety net. Ultimately, this legislative action serves as a formal expression of appreciation rather than enacting new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" in Rhode Island to honor the state's hospitals and healthcare workers. The measure acknowledges the vital role these institutions play in providing essential services, supporting the local economy, and employing thousands of residents. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, recognizing the group's leadership in the field.
