Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 2005) expressing condolences for Arthur Armand Coia, a former president of the Laborers International Union (LIUNA), following his passing. The resolution honors his life, career in labor advocacy, family, and community contributions through its detailed "WHEREAS" statements. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his family. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes, solely serving as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2004) expressing condolences to the family of David R. Carlin, Jr., a former Rhode Island State Senate Majority Leader and longtime public servant. The resolution honors his career as an educator, state senator, author, and community leader, including his service as Senate Majority Leader (1988-1990) and his 40+ years teaching at the Community College of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Maureen Carlin. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2006) expressing the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Judge Frank Caprio. It commemorates his life, legacy as a judge and television personality, community service, and family, while extending "deepest sympathy" to his family. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Judge Caprio's widow, Joyce Caprio. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2007) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences on the passing of Edward Catone, Jr., a Pawtucket resident and former Superintendent of Sewers & Sanitation. It honors his 65-year marriage, 25 years of public service, and his military service in the U.S. Air Force. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his sons, Edward R. Catone and Marc Catone. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or funding changes.

Maddy summarySB 179 allows public school teachers and administrators in all grades to offer students a brief moment of silence each September 11 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It directly affects public school students and staff by providing an optional, non-religious observance opportunity. The bill requires no new funding or major policy shifts - it simply permits schools to facilitate this moment when they choose. This is a procedural measure focused on remembrance, not a substantive change to education policy.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Maddy summarySB 1054 changes the name of the existing "Burrillville Land Trust" to "Burrillville Land Conservancy" throughout state law, with no substantive policy changes to its operations. The bill updates terminology in the governing ordinance but maintains the same purpose: protecting Burrillville's open space, farmland, wetlands, water resources, and recreational lands through land acquisition and conservation easements. The Trust Conservancy's authority to manage properties, require public access where possible, and remain tax-exempt remains unchanged. This is a procedural name correction affecting only the entity's title, not its mission or powers.

Authorizes the town of Glocester to levy a supplemental tax, by voter referendum, that exceeds the current tax cap by three percent (3%) for fiscal year 2026, to fund school operations and avoid the loss of critical town services.

Maddy summarySB 1147 names the Rhode Island Senate Chamber in the State House as the "President Dominick J. Ruggerio Senate Chamber." This bill directly affects the official designation of a state government building used by legislators. It requires the chamber's name to be updated to honor Ruggerio, who previously served as Senate President. As a purely ceremonial naming resolution with no policy changes or funding impacts, it has no broader legislative effect beyond the chamber's official title.

Maddy summarySB 945 establishes Rhode Island's Anti-Bid-Rigging Act to prevent collusion in public procurement. It prohibits coordinated schemes like identical bids, rotating winners, or price fixing among bidders or government officials influencing contract awards. Violations carry felony penalties of up to three years in prison, fines up to $1 million or three times the contract value, and debarment from state contracts for up to five years. The law specifically excludes simultaneous bids as prime and subcontractor, and standard public disclosures of contract details. This act applies to all state and local government contracts governed by Rhode Island's procurement laws.