Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 26, 2026, as "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House to honor the University of Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the university's achievements as a top public research institution and acknowledges its contributions to education, research, and economic development in the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the university president. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2146 creates a regulatory framework for peer-to-peer car sharing through apps (like Turo), requiring specific insurance coverage for rentals. It directly affects users who rent vehicles via these apps and owners who list their cars for rent. The bill prescribes minimum insurance standards to cover liability during rentals, ensuring both renters and vehicle owners have protection under the program.

Authorizes a blanket permit and fee to allow the movement of self-propelled cranes which are in excess of size and weight load requirements, to move on state highways.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution welcomes the Narragansett Council of Scouting America to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill recognizes the council's youth development programs, community service efforts, and educational opportunities provided to thousands of Rhode Island youth and their families. It formally thanks Scouts and volunteer leaders for their contributions to leadership training, food drives, and outdoor education programs throughout the state. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the council's executive director.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer screening and education. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology. The resolution recognizes the state's commitment to improving access to colorectal cancer screenings and honors past advocacy efforts in the area.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

Maddy summarySB 2467 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior approval (preauthorization) for in-network mental health and substance use disorder services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. This directly affects patients seeking these specific treatments through in-network providers, removing a common administrative barrier. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and aligns with existing requirements ensuring mental health coverage is treated equally to physical health coverage under insurance plans. It does not apply to out-of-network services or change other coverage rules like cost-sharing parity.

Provides that stores offering food product discounts must provide the same discounts to in-store customers that are offered to customers using electronic digital coupons.

Maddy summarySB 2344 prohibits payment networks and financial institutions from charging merchants interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portions of electronic payments. It requires merchants to report tax/gratuity amounts during transaction authorization or settlement to avoid these fees, or submit documentation within 180 days for refunds. Merchants who fail to report can still seek refunds by providing tax/gratuity documentation, and payment networks face $1,000 penalties per violation for noncompliance. The law applies to credit/debit card transactions and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 19, 2026, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the institution's contributions to the community. The bill recognizes Rhode Island College as the state's oldest public college and highlights its academic programs, athletic achievements, and recent investments in modernizing facilities for science and cybersecurity education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college president, Dr. Jack R. Warner, as a formal acknowledgment of the college's role in the state's education and economic development.