Sen. Andrew Dimitri

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 6, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" in Rhode Island to honor the role of critical thinking and scientific inquiry in solving societal challenges. The bill encourages citizens to observe the day by focusing on reason and free inquiry while citing historical figures like James Madison who valued knowledge. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specific individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. The bill aims to promote walking meditation labyrinths as a community practice for reflection, mindfulness, and well-being, encouraging residents to participate in the global "Wave of Peace" event at 1:00 p.m. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise awareness and support existing public spaces used for these activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to relevant organizations and individuals involved in promoting labyrinths in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" throughout Rhode Island. The measure directly affects the approximately 21,000 public school teachers, administrators, and staff employed across the state's cities and towns. By formally proclaiming this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to publicly acknowledge the contributions of educators to student development and community life. The Secretary of State is authorized to send certified copies of this declaration to the leaders of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially recognizes "Zambarano Day" on May 5, 2026, to honor the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the facility's long history of providing critical long-term acute care services to patients with severe injuries and illnesses since 1995. It expresses appreciation for the hospital staff and declares continued state support for the campus as it plans a new state-of-the-art facility. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the hospital staff as a formal gesture of recognition.

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.

Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.

Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would remain private and only accessible by specific entities.

Substitutes "housing resources commission" with "department of health" for lead hazard mitigation purposes. It also makes it easier for a property owner to release funds put into an escrow account, if needed to make required repairs or improvements.

Maddy summarySB 2596 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights for siblings separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. It directly affects children in these situations and their separated siblings, ensuring they can maintain contact unless it harms a child's well-being. The bill mandates courts to approve visitation if it serves the child's best interests, there's a strong emotional bond, and parents/guardians negotiate in good faith. It also requires children aged 12+ to be heard in court and prohibits monetary damages in related disputes. The law takes effect upon passage.