Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summarySB 2574 prohibits cities and towns from banning or restricting the sale, ownership, or use of powered landscaping equipment (like leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and trimmers) based solely on its fuel or power source (e.g., gasoline, electric, or battery). The law allows municipalities to still enforce reasonable noise regulations, equipment usage hours, or safety rules that don’t target specific power types. Existing local bans on such equipment based on power source remain valid if in place before the law takes effect, but new or amended rules restricting equipment by power type are void. This directly affects landscaping businesses, property owners, and municipal governments regulating outdoor equipment use.

Maddy summarySB 2402 increases penalties for drivers convicted of causing death or serious injury through reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The bill raises maximum prison sentences (e.g., from 10 to 20 years for causing death while driving recklessly), fines (e.g., from $10,000 to $20,000 for first-time DUI causing death), and license suspension periods. It also adds requirements for alcohol/drug treatment programs and longer financial responsibility proof before license reinstatement. This bill directly affects drivers convicted under sections 31-27-1, 31-27-1.1, 31-27-2.2, and 31-27-2.6 of the state’s motor vehicle laws. The bill is currently in committee (introduced January 30, 2026) and has not yet passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the composition of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services by adding the Senate majority leader to the existing group of committee members. The committee currently includes the Senate president, Senate majority and minority leaders, House majority and minority leaders, and the House speaker. By including the Senate majority leader, the legislation ensures broader representation of Senate leadership within this permanent oversight body. The changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Amends the definition of farm and agricultural land to include land on which agricultural operations are being conducted or is suitable for agriculture operations, and further expand the definition of a farmer.

Names the India Point Park Overpass pedestrian bridge as the "Joseph M. Lima Overpass" to honor the former Deputy Majority Leader's legislative achievements and his lifelong dedication to the Portuguese-American community.

Maddy summarySB 2216 would require all school employees with regular student contact to undergo comprehensive background checks. It mandates applicants to provide 20 years of employment history at schools or child-contact roles, along with written authorization for employers to disclose records. Applicants must answer specific questions about past child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, and schools must verify this information through direct contact with previous employers. The bill includes penalties for false disclosures (up to $500 civil fines) but is currently proposed legislation introduced in the Rhode Island Senate (2026-01-23).

Repeals daylight savings time in the state and follow the “United States Standard Eastern Time” as provided by an exemption from the advancement of time as provide by the federal Uniform Time Ac of 1966, 15 U.S.C. § 260(a).

Maddy summaryThis bill changes election deadlines by moving the date for filing candidacy declarations from June to April for state and local elections. It directly affects candidates running for party or independent nomination in primary elections by requiring them to submit their paperwork earlier. The key provision sets a new April deadline for filing declaration forms, which must include personal information, party affiliation, and certifications about criminal history and mental competency. Local election boards will check signatures against voter lists and can reject papers with invalid signatures, while the state board may review cases showing patterns of forgery. This change aims to ensure candidates file their nomination materials earlier in the election cycle.

Maddy summarySB 2490 allows Rhode Island residents applying for or renewing hunting or fishing licenses to be automatically registered to vote, with the option to decline. The Department of Environmental Management will offer voter registration forms simultaneously with license applications, ensuring the same assistance level as for licenses, and protects privacy by keeping declined registrations confidential. Completed forms must be sent electronically to the state voter system within one business day, and applicants must be U.S. citizens to register. This process mirrors existing automatic voter registration at the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Requires electric and gas utilities to provide a detailed breakdown of supply, delivery, and public policy costs on electric and gas bills, including specific costs for renewable energy sources, and mandate public comment and PUC approval.