Sen. Todd Patalano

Maddy summarySB 2298 increases the maximum jail time for a first offense of animal cruelty from 11 to 12 months. It directly affects individuals convicted of mistreating animals, such as failing to provide food, shelter, or causing unnecessary harm. The bill amends the existing law to raise the penalty for initial violations without changing fines or additional requirements for repeat offenses. This is a straightforward adjustment to sentencing severity for the most common cruelty charge.

Defines suitable person for purposes of concealed carry pistol permit establishes reasons and information needed for applying for the permit, an appeal process and provides that records are not public records.

Allows a person over 18 to purchase a stun gun or electronic dart gun and prohibits the sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to a person under 18 and criminalizes using a stun gun or electronic dart gun in a crime or against a police officer.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution designates April 24, 2026, as "Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day" to honor the victims of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide and the Armenian-American community in the state. The measure formally recognizes the historical events described in the bill text and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the U.S. President, Congress, and various Armenian organizations. Additionally, the bill respectfully requests that the federal government urge Turkey to acknowledge the 1915 events as genocide and to provide restitution for the losses suffered by Armenians.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates students and instructors from the Warwick Area and Chariho Career and Technical Centers for winning the 2026 Rhode Island ProStart High School Competition. It recognizes the achievements of the top teams in culinary arts, foodservice management, and hospitality tourism, which will now advance to represent the state at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the two winning schools as a formal acknowledgment of their success.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 9, 2026, as "Rhode Island Home Visiting Day" to highlight the importance of home visiting services for families. The measure encourages state residents to acknowledge these programs, which connect parents with resources to promote child health and development. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the directors of the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.

Bans street takeovers and violators would be guilty of a felony and punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and be subject to a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Prohibits municipalities from restricting certain landscaping equipment based on its power source. It also prohibits any changes in the regulation of the use of power equipment in the municipality, without a positive referendum vote.

Increases the penalties for reckless driving from a misdemeanor first offense to a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of between one thousand dollars ($1,000) and five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Amends the section of law relative to violations for driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license and expands the list of offenses for which an unlicensed motorist would be in violation.