Sen. Todd Patalano

Maddy summarySB 952 amends the state's "Credit Card Crime Act" to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards subject to fraud penalties. This change directly affects individuals who commit fraud using stolen or counterfeit debit cards, ensuring such acts are covered under the same legal provisions previously applied only to credit cards. The bill modifies existing law to state that fraudulent use of "credit or debit cards" violates the statute, maintaining the same penalty structure based on the value obtained (e.g., $100 threshold over six months). It does not create new offenses or penalties but clarifies that debit card fraud is now explicitly prohibited under the current law.

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

Maddy summarySB 953 exempts emergency mail ballots from needing the specific "Mail voters" wording on the ballot. This change applies directly to voters who cast ballots by mail during declared emergencies under §17-20-2.2(g). The bill removes a requirement for the secretary of state to print this phrase on emergency mail ballots, streamlining the ballot process for those situations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1144) honors Karen McGrath, a Cranston Public Library branch librarian retiring after 39 years of service, specifically recognizing her creation of the 29-year Books @ Home program that delivers library materials to homebound residents. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 10, 2025, formally thanks her for her dedication and cites her national recognition from the American Library Association. It does not create new policy or affect any laws, as it is a ceremonial tribute to her career.

Maddy summarySB 845 creates a voluntary tax deduction option on Rhode Island state income tax returns, allowing taxpayers to direct a portion of their refund to the Rhode Island Meals on Wheels Inc. Fund starting with tax year 2025. Taxpayers can choose to contribute by checking a box on their return, with contributions collected annually and deposited into the fund. The fund, managed by the state treasurer, will provide financial support exclusively for eligible individuals and families served by Meals on Wheels programs. This change does not alter tax rates or require contributions - it simply offers a new, optional way for residents to support meal delivery services for vulnerable community members.

Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Maddy summarySB 1133 reclassifies unauthorized use or theft of gift cards as larceny or forgery under state law. It makes it a crime to steal or use a gift card without consent (under $1,500) or alter a gift card, subjecting offenders to larceny penalties (up to $1,000 fine or 1 year in jail) or forgery penalties. For amounts exceeding $1,500 or repeated offenses within six months, penalties escalate to standard larceny charges. This directly affects gift card holders (who may be defrauded), card issuers, and retailers, by treating gift card fraud as equivalent to traditional property theft under Chapter 6-59. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 475, the "David Casey Act," requires public and private golf courses to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. This law expands existing requirements for AEDs at healthcare facilities and other public places (like schools, restaurants, and sports arenas) to specifically include golf courses. The bill mandates that all golf courses, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately operated, must maintain an AED accessible for immediate use in emergencies. This policy change directly affects golf course operators by adding a new safety equipment requirement.

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.