Sen. Melissa Murray

Maddy summarySB 2534, the Microplastics Reduction Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling, offering for sale, or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic polymer microplastics (at or above 0.01% concentration) starting January 1, 2030. It directly affects product manufacturers and importers, including those selling cosmetics, cleaners, or personal care items containing these microplastics. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Management to develop a public microplastics testing plan by July 2029 and a statewide strategy plan by January 2030 to assess environmental impacts and recommend solutions. These plans will guide future monitoring and policy decisions regarding microplastic pollution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2512) officially designates February 7-14, 2026, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the prevalence of congenital heart defects (affecting roughly 40,000 U.S. newborns annually) and urges residents to observe the week while acknowledging medical professionals working to improve outcomes. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it is a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and honor efforts in congenital heart defect research and treatment.

Maddy summarySB 2366 amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to modify how tuition savings program contributions are treated for tax purposes. It allows taxpayers to subtract up to $500 ($1,000 for joint returns) annually from federal adjusted gross income for contributions made to Rhode Island's tuition savings program, with specific restrictions on what qualifies as a deductible contribution. This affects residents using the tuition savings program who claim tax deductions for contributions. The bill also clarifies rules for nonqualified withdrawals from these accounts and their tax treatment. The changes apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Creates a 15 member commission to study and provide recommendations for safe staffing ratios in hospitals, who would report back to the General Assembly by March 31, 2027, and would expire on June 30, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 2353 prohibits force-feeding poultry (such as ducks or geese) to produce products like foie gras and bans the sale of such force-fed poultry products or food containing them within Rhode Island. It directly affects producers of force-fed poultry products and businesses selling them, including restaurants listing "foie gras" on menus. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that any item labeled or listed as "foie gras" is a force-fed product, requiring sellers to prove otherwise with documentation. Violations carry a $500 civil penalty per offense, with enforcement handled by local authorities or the state health department, effective January 1, 2027.

Prohibits a person to sell, offer for sale, display for sale or otherwise distribute a farmed animal fur product within the state and provides graduated civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 2222 establishes a fee on fossil fuel sellers (like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas companies) operating in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund the "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund," which will support clean energy programs, energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households and small businesses, and worker transition initiatives for jobs in low-carbon industries. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, and help Rhode Island meet its 2035 emissions goals. This is a proposed legislative measure introduced in January 2026 and not yet enacted.

Requires the department of human services to provide childcare assistance to families, including those served through DCYF, who meet the requirements of a protective services category as defined in CFR 98.20 (a)(3)(ii).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2194) formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Margaret M. Ottman of Bellingham. It honors her life and legacy, highlighting her 38-year federal career, quilting contributions, and role as a devoted family matriarch ("Nana"). The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her daughter, Nancy Phillips, and family. As a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects only the Ottman family through this formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summarySR 2192 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating January 18-24, 2026, as "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their role in providing safe, cost-effective anesthesia care across all healthcare settings, including rural communities and military facilities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Nurse Anesthetists (RIANA). As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not change laws or policies but honors CRNAs’ work, including their pandemic response.