Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution condemns the June 14, 2025, shooting that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. It expresses sympathy to the affected families and was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 17, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally denounces political violence. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies to Minnesota officials.

Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.

Maddy summarySB 913 requires all new contractor applicants in Rhode Island to submit a legible copy of government-issued identification as part of their registration application. This adds to existing requirements like business details, insurance documentation, and tax information. The bill applies only to new registration applications, not to current registered contractors or renewal processes. It does not change other provisions of the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board regulations.

Waives the fees for vehicle identification number inspections for veterans, including active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and military reserves.

Maddy summarySB 1113 requires contractors working on Rhode Island public projects (like construction or school transportation) to provide actual healthcare and pension benefits to employees instead of paying cash equivalents. Specifically, starting July 1, 2024, contractors cannot pay employees cash for healthcare benefits (except for those employed 90 days or less), and starting July 1, 2025, they cannot pay cash for pension benefits (again, except for short-term employees). Contractors must provide proof of actual benefit purchases to employees and their bargaining agents, and violations carry $1,000-$3,000 penalties per incident. The bill directly affects public works contractors and their employees, ensuring benefits are delivered as intended rather than replaced with cash.

Allows the board of elections to tabulate mail ballots in local special elections in the same manner as in tabulate mail ballots in statewide elections.

Limits the mandatory rental registry to properties constructed prior to 1978, and further push out the effective date of registration to September 1, 2025, with the penalty clause becoming effective as of October 1, 2025.

Creates the PURPLE alert state system to aid in the search for a missing adult with a serious physical, behavioral health, neurological disabilities or medical condition.

Allows providers of services under this section to visit the houses of individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders or differences in order to provide haircuts or hairdressing services.

Requires the installation of universal changing stations in all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation.