Sen. David Tikoian

Increases the penalty for anyone found guilty of reckless driving while eluding police to a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and subject to a loss of license from 1 to 2 years and a possible forfeiture of their motor vehicle.

Maddy summarySB 540 allows motorcycles to legally "lane filter" - passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles (traveling 10 mph or slower) in the same direction - under specific conditions. It requires lanes to be wide enough for safe passing, limits motorcycle speed to 20 mph during filtering, and mandates continued reasonable operation. The bill directly affects motorcycle riders and drivers in traffic congestion, changing existing rules to permit this maneuver. It takes effect upon passage and does not apply to vehicles moving faster than 10 mph.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends Rhode Island's Works Program to remove a waiting period for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) seeking cash assistance benefits. Previously, these individuals faced a delay before accessing benefits, even if otherwise eligible. The bill directly affects lawful permanent residents enrolled in the state's cash assistance program by allowing immediate access to benefits upon meeting other eligibility requirements. This change modifies Section 40-5.2-10(a)(2) of the General Laws, eliminating the prior waiting period requirement for this group. The policy shift focuses solely on updating eligibility rules without altering other program conditions.

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

Maddy summarySB 551 allows animal control officers to immediately seize animals suspected of neglect or cruelty *before* criminal charges are resolved, requiring a 48-hour notice of a court hearing for permanent rehoming. If a court finds evidence of cruelty or neglect by a preponderance of the evidence, it can terminate the owner’s rights to the animal. Owners must pay reasonable care costs incurred during seizure, and the court may schedule the rehoming hearing before criminal proceedings conclude. The bill directly affects animal owners in cases of neglect, abandonment, or hazardous accumulation (overcrowded conditions), and applies to all animals except those in licensed research facilities or during legal hunting/consumption.

Maddy summarySB 217 allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale businesses in Rhode Island, expanding their purchasing options beyond previous restrictions. The bill requires caterers to follow specific safety rules, including checking IDs for patrons under 30, serving no more than two drinks at a time, avoiding shots, and limiting service to five hours per event. Caterers must pay a $500 annual fee, certify bartenders through approved training, and ensure alcohol remains under their control during events, with violations subject to $500 fines. This applies directly to caterers operating under Class P licenses, while those holding a Class B license remain exempt from the new purchasing rules.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.

Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, each year for the next 3 years, be trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Heimlich maneuver/bleeding control.

Allows for the holder of a manufacturer's license to be able to sell one one-sixth (1/6) barrel key of malt beverage, produced on the premises, per day.