Sen. Andrew Dimitri

Maddy summarySB 587 would allow workers who are locked out by their employer during a labor dispute (such as when an employer refuses to bargain collectively) to receive unemployment benefits. It also permits benefits for workers on strike if they are not part of the union or group causing the dispute. The bill specifies that employers must offer to extend current wages and working conditions for up to three days before a lockout is considered valid, and excludes benefits if the lockout responds to a strike at another employer in a multi-employer bargaining group. This change directly affects workers involved in labor disputes and aims to provide financial support during workplace conflicts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 935), not a substantive bill. It formally celebrates "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House on April 1, 2025, to recognize the University of Rhode Island (URI) for its educational, research, and economic contributions to the state. The resolution highlights URI's status as a top-ranked public university and its role in workforce development, without creating any new legal requirements or affecting specific individuals or entities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to URI's president.

Mandates that the clerk of the district court, upon request of the defendant, automatically seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.

Maddy summarySB 875 would shorten the waiting period to clear criminal records (expungement) for certain convictions. People with a single misdemeanor could expunge records after 3 years (down from 5), and those with felonies or multiple misdemeanors after 5 years (down from 10). The bill applies to individuals who have completed their sentences and paid all court fees, but excludes convictions for violent crimes or specific drug offenses listed in the law. It would take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 814 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct by law enforcement officers, public safety officials, or hospital staff. The bill penalizes individuals who submit false reports with up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory restitution to the falsely accused person for damages. It specifically targets false reports filed with the intent that they be relied upon by authorities, covering both criminal reports and official misconduct complaints. The bill is currently in committee (held for further study after a March 2025 hearing) and would take effect upon passage.

Expands the definition of peace officers to include juvenile program workers and shift coordinators at the department of youth, children and families.

Maddy summarySB 543 prohibits the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products (vape products with non-tobacco/mint flavors) to consumers in Rhode Island, except at designated vape shops. It defines a "vape shop" as a business exclusively selling nicotine products to adults 21+ and exempts these shops from the flavor ban. The bill also clarifies that cannabis facilities (compassion centers) are exempt from the prohibition, except for tobacco/nicotine products. This legislation is pending Senate Finance Committee action after being referred for study.

Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.

Allows a landlord that did not obtain a lead certificate pursuant to the lead mitigation laws of chapter 128.1 of title 42 due to the fact that the state lacks the adequate resources to conduct inspections.

Maddy summarySB 751 amends existing law to explicitly include COVID-19 in the definition of "infectious disease" for first responders. This change ensures that firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are exposed to COVID-19 while on duty can access the same occupational disability benefits as for other covered diseases like HIV or hepatitis. The bill updates definitions in the law (specifically in sections 23-28.36-1, 23-28.36-2, and 23-28.36-4) to clarify that exposure to COVID-19 qualifies for notification and disability benefits under the existing framework. It does not create new procedures but ensures current protections apply to COVID-19 cases.