Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1164), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as the sixth President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), noting she is the first alumna and second woman to hold this role. The resolution highlights her career path as a CCRI nursing graduate, faculty member, and interim president, including her leadership during a period of institutional growth. It contains no policy changes, funding, or obligations - it is purely an honorary gesture to recognize her appointment and achievements. The Senate passed it on June 21, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 871) appropriates $500,000 from the state treasury to fund the operational costs of Rhode Island's 2-1-1 human services hotline. The 2-1-1 system, operated by the United Way of Rhode Island, provides free, confidential, 24/7 assistance in nearly 200 languages to help residents access resources for housing, healthcare, food, childcare, and crisis support. The funding supports the existing service, which handled over 190,000 requests in 2023-2024 and aids state agencies by identifying community needs. The resolution passed the Senate on June 20, 2025, and directs the state controller to pay the United Way upon verification.

Maddy summarySB 654 establishes a $250,000 pilot program for virtual reality (VR) learning platforms to improve math instruction for students in grades 6 through 12. The bill requires the Department of Education to select a VR program proven to boost algebra 1 scores through third-party evaluation, with funding covering teacher training and equipment in districts needing enhanced math engagement. The program must use 3D models to teach standards-aligned math concepts through real-world problem-solving scenarios. A third-party report on student achievement impact is required before the program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to conduct a feasibility study on seagliders in Rhode Island. The study, to be done in collaboration with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI), will assess how seagliders - a type of electric, passenger-carrying coastal vehicle - could benefit the state. Key focus areas include evaluating potential reductions in carbon emissions, job creation in the Blue Economy, and improved coastal transportation options. The funding is specifically for research, not for building or deploying seagliders. This is a procedural appropriation, not a substantive policy change.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases or shell casings seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing, also would require 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN

Maddy summarySB 1047 repeals a 10% limit on certain investments held by domestic insurance companies in Rhode Island. It removes the restriction that previously capped investments in specific asset types - like oil/gas production payments, transportation equipment, timber deeds, mineral rights, and motor vehicle trust certificates - at 10% of a company's admitted assets. This change allows insurers to allocate a larger portion of their investment portfolios to these assets without the previous percentage constraint. The bill directly affects Rhode Island-based insurance companies that report these investments on their annual financial statements. The repeal took effect immediately upon the governor signing the bill on June 18, 2025.

Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.

Details each of those limited emergency circumstances where a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurses, may safely administer sedation, such as critical life-saving or emergency situations where there is an imminent threat to life or limb.

Maddy summarySB 171 would allow Rhode Island's executive office of health and human services to use state funds to support graduate medical education programs at academic medical centers serving critically ill and indigent patients. The bill directs these centers to receive funding for training in key areas like trauma, primary care, maternal health, mental health, and substance abuse. It requires the health office to establish annual Medicaid payment mechanisms to distribute these funds. If passed, this would change how state Medicaid funds support medical residency programs, though it remains pending Senate approval as of June 17, 2025.