Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 371) commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2025. It formally recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence, the contributions of Dominicans to Rhode Island (including the estimated 54,000 Dominican residents and their community impact), and the strong U.S.-Dominican relationship. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic, expressing the Senate's acknowledgment of this historical milestone and the Dominican-American community's role in Rhode Island. It does not affect any individuals, policies, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 372) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Murphy family following the passing of John M. Murphy. It formally recognizes his life and contributions, including his career as a banking executive, philanthropy supporting institutions like Providence College and St. Joseph's Hospital, and his service on the Providence City Council. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to Grace Murphy and her family. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.

Provides equal Medicare for infants born-alive as a result of abortion procedure/natural delivery with violations subject to criminal penalties for medical personnel/loss of license/civil action for damages.

Maddy summarySB 149 limits the maximum duration of a state of emergency declared by the governor to 60 days without legislative approval. It allows an initial 30-day emergency period, followed by one 30-day renewal (totaling 60 days) without legislative action. To extend an emergency beyond 60 days, the state legislature must pass a joint resolution. This change directly affects the governor's authority to maintain emergency powers and requires legislative oversight for longer emergencies.

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

Maddy summarySB 89 adds ethical energy standards to the state's 2021 Act on Climate. It requires the climate council to annually study whether state climate programs shift environmental or labor impacts onto developing countries, including tracking mining conditions for materials like lithium and cobalt. The bill also mandates that solar permit applicants set aside funds for end-of-life panel recycling, requires wind turbine blades to be recycled or disposed of within the state (with limited exceptions), and establishes renewable energy credit programs that exclude electricity from facilities using child labor or certain toxic materials in manufacturing. These provisions directly affect state agencies, energy developers, and utility companies implementing climate policies.

Requires as part of the solar permit application an assessment on carbon-neutral, a solar permit would only be approved if it was carbon neutral based on the assessment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $30 million ($100,000 per school) from the 2025-2026 state capital budget to fund safety and security upgrades at all Rhode Island public schools. It directly affects over 300 public schools by authorizing funds for specific improvements like access control systems, audio-visual equipment, and communication technology. The resolution requires the state controller to disburse funds upon receipt of verified vouchers, with no additional legislative action needed beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 12), not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Donald J. Trump on his 2024 presidential victory and inauguration as the 47th U.S. President, citing his previous term and campaign focus on border security, "America First" policies, and economic achievements. The resolution was defeated by the Rhode Island Senate on January 28, 2025, and has no binding effect or policy changes.