Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 919) formally declares April 2025 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or policies but symbolically recognizes the importance of autism awareness and the efforts of individuals and agencies supporting people with autism and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on funding, services, or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 920) symbolically proclaims April 2025 as "Parkinson's Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes Parkinson's Disease through a state-wide proclamation. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share the proclamation with the American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter. It aims to raise public awareness about Parkinson's Disease, which affects roughly 1,000-2,000 people in Rhode Island, though it does not change policies or services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 933) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Rhode Island State Police Department's founding. It designates April 2025 as "State Police Month" and April 2, 2025, as "State Police Day," directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Police Superintendent. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on residents or law enforcement operations - it is purely ceremonial recognition of the department's historical milestone.

Requires a seventy-five percent (75%) supermajority vote by the board of directors to establish a quorum and to approve any action taken by the commerce corporation.

Maddy summarySB 735 creates a new certification program at municipal police academies that allows officers from other departments to become certified without repeating full training. It directly affects municipal police officers who have worked full-time as sworn law enforcement officers for at least one year, with comparable training and no more than an eight-year break in service. The bill establishes specific requirements for this certification, including meeting existing training standards and completing a review under the Commission on Standards and Training. This program aims to streamline certification for officers moving between departments while maintaining consistent training quality across municipal agencies.

Maddy summarySB 814 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct by law enforcement officers, public safety officials, or hospital staff. The bill penalizes individuals who submit false reports with up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory restitution to the falsely accused person for damages. It specifically targets false reports filed with the intent that they be relied upon by authorities, covering both criminal reports and official misconduct complaints. The bill is currently in committee (held for further study after a March 2025 hearing) and would take effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 543 prohibits the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products (vape products with non-tobacco/mint flavors) to consumers in Rhode Island, except at designated vape shops. It defines a "vape shop" as a business exclusively selling nicotine products to adults 21+ and exempts these shops from the flavor ban. The bill also clarifies that cannabis facilities (compassion centers) are exempt from the prohibition, except for tobacco/nicotine products. This legislation is pending Senate Finance Committee action after being referred for study.

This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.

Allows a landlord that did not obtain a lead certificate pursuant to the lead mitigation laws of chapter 128.1 of title 42 due to the fact that the state lacks the adequate resources to conduct inspections.