Establishes a twenty-seven (27) member joint commission to study ways to maximize revenue for child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.
Requires the department of health to implement a tobacco control program that incorporates evidence-based best practices for tobacco prevention and cessation to prevent tobacco-related diseases and diminish tobacco use in the state.
Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.
Expands various definitions relative to contractors, home inspectors, and claim adjusters to provide clarity regarding licensed and unlicensed vendors, consultants, or third-party representatives.
Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates March 8, 2026, as International Women's Day and the entire month of March as Women's History Month within the State of Rhode Island. The measure recognizes the historical contributions of women to Rhode Island's development and encourages citizens to learn about their achievements and support future equality initiatives. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor for formal acknowledgment. The resolution serves as a commemorative observance rather than establishing new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Sandra Lake for her significant contributions to women and communities in Rhode Island. It recognizes her work founding the Extraordinary Woman Award and developing the Woman Development Institute, a nonprofit organization that has provided leadership training and educational support for over 25 years. The resolution acknowledges her efforts to create inclusive, bilingual programs that remove financial barriers for women, youth, and families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Sandra Lake as formal recognition of her leadership and advocacy.
Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.
Maddy summarySB 2794 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act in Rhode Island to create a new system for recycling beverage containers. The bill defines key terms such as "covered beverage container," "producer," and "consumer" to clarify who is responsible for recycling efforts and which products are included in the program. It sets up a refund program where consumers can return empty containers at designated sites to receive refunds, with provisions for both full-service redemption sites and express redemption sites that use virtual accounts. The legislation also outlines rules for fraud prevention, requires independent audits, and includes definitions for environmental justice areas and de minimis exemptions for small businesses.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation from using artificial turf to cover compacted solid waste at sanitary landfills, with an exemption for turf already installed before July 1, 2026. It also bans the use of organic materials like wood, paper, and yard waste for landfill cover unless approved as a final layer, and establishes a pilot program to test grass or plant mixes with pollinators as an alternative cover material. The Resource Recovery Corporation must submit annual reports on its activities and include data on artificial turf disposal volumes, while also reporting on the pilot program results by January 1, 2028. Facilities that violate the artificial turf prohibition face fines between $2,500 and $5,000 paid to the local city or town.
