Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summarySB 1008 validates and ratifies amendments to the Harrisville Fire District charter to formally consolidate its water department with the Pascoag Utility District, creating the Clear River Electric and Water District. This procedural bill updates the district's legal charter to reflect an existing consolidation agreement, affecting the Harrisville Fire District and Pascoag Utility District residents by merging their water and electric services under a single entity. It does not change service provisions or rates but legally formalizes the operational merger.

Requires payments by the corporation increase from a $3.00 tipping fee per vehicle to a $6.00 tipping fee per vehicle, unless exempt. This act would also require fees be paid to Johnston on an annual rather than a biannual basis.

Maddy summarySB 280 updates Rhode Island law to replace "state marshals" with "capitol police" in lists of law enforcement officers exempt from firearm restrictions. The bill specifically amends two statutes (11-47-9 and 11-47-35.1) to ensure capitol police officers qualify for the same exemptions as other sworn law enforcement personnel. This means capitol police officers, like state marshals previously, can carry concealed firearms while on duty without violating state firearm laws. The change directly affects capitol police officers by formally including them in the exemption list. The bill became effective without the governor's signature on June 26, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 318 establishes new procedures for Rhode Island to procure energy infrastructure, including transmission for nuclear power, large-scale hydroelectric power, and renewable resources like offshore wind. It authorizes state agencies and utilities to jointly issue competitive solicitations for regional transmission projects and natural gas pipeline capacity to improve energy reliability and security for ratepayers. The bill requires cost-benefit analyses for ratepayer impacts and mandates public utility commission review before binding commitments are made. This affects electric and gas utilities, ratepayers, and regional energy planning entities by creating a structured process for evaluating infrastructure projects.

Amends the definitions of a “pupil transportation vehicle” to a vehicle contrasted to seat not more than ten (10) passengers plus the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight (8) passengers.

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.

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.

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 397 shortens the training requirement for new school bus drivers who already hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). Instead of completing the standard 10-hour school bus driver training course, these applicants will finish a reduced-length program focused specifically on Rhode Island's school bus safety rules and regulations. The bill maintains all other licensing requirements, including written and driving tests, background checks, and proof of prior driving experience. This change applies to both new hires and renewal applicants with a CDL, aiming to streamline the process without altering safety standards.

Reduces the number of times the director of the lottery has to confer with the permanent joint committee on state lottery from nine (9) times per year to four (4) times per year or at the call of the chair and vice chair of the committee.