Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summarySB 2321 creates an equivalent training certification program at municipal police academies, allowing candidates with prior law enforcement experience to bypass standard academy training. It directly affects sworn police officers who have worked full-time for at least one year in law enforcement, received training comparable to state standards, and have no more than an eight-year gap since their last sworn position. The bill establishes specific eligibility requirements for certification, including documented experience and training alignment with existing standards. This program provides an alternative pathway for qualified candidates to become certified without completing the full municipal academy curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month within the State of Rhode Island. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the state's commitment to individuals with autism. The bill recognizes the growing prevalence of autism and acknowledges the progress made in research, diagnosis, and therapy over recent years. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter to support their ongoing efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2516 repeals the energy efficiency charge previously included in utility base rates for electricity and water providers. This bill removes a specific fee that utilities had been allowed to add to customer bills to fund energy efficiency programs. The repeal does not affect existing funding for renewable energy programs (which continue at 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour until 2028) or demand-side management programs for electricity and gas utilities. The bill directly affects regulated utilities distributing electricity, water, or gas, as it eliminates one cost they could pass to customers.

Establishes the Property Equity Protection Act to protect property owners from losing their equity when their property is seized to pay a debt to the government by allowing ample time to pay off the debt and adequate notice of due process.

Requires the PUC to produce yearly reports beginning on January 1, 2027 on the ability of the current electric grid to handle electrification loads needed to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the state treasury for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Rhode Island Food Bank. It directly supports the Food Bank’s 137 member agencies across Rhode Island, which serve communities facing heightened food insecurity. The resolution responds to rising demand (over 102,000 people using pantries in November 2025) and the loss of $9.5 million in federal SNAP benefits affecting up to 32,000 residents. The funds will be paid via state vouchers to the Food Bank as needed, supplementing reduced federal support. This is a funding measure, not a new policy.

Requires the PUC to make public notification of any changes in eligibility or production of energy, and would direct the commission to promulgate rules and regulations to allow and facilitate the prompt public disclosure of this information.

Maddy summarySB 2106 would expand medical assistance coverage to include community-based medical services for specific eligible residents. It targets individuals who have used emergency rooms three or more times in four consecutive months, or whose primary care provider identifies them as needing community care to prevent hospital/nursing facility admission. Covered services include chronic disease monitoring, medication management, post-hospital follow-up, and minor medical procedures. Providers must coordinate care with existing health teams to avoid duplication of services like home health care. The program requires federal approval before implementation and takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2658 creates a new regulatory category for small portable solar generation devices used in residential settings. It directly affects homeowners who install these portable solar systems, clarifying how they interact with public utility regulations. The bill establishes specific rules for these devices under utility law, ensuring they are treated separately from larger residential or commercial solar installations. This provides a clear framework for utilities to manage connections and billing for portable systems without requiring major infrastructure changes. The bill focuses on defining the scope of these devices within existing utility frameworks.