Sen. Todd Patalano

Maddy summarySB 917 proposes to repeal an existing law that restricts the issuance of certain retail liquor licenses. Currently, these licenses cannot be granted for establishments located within 200 feet of schools or places of public worship. The bill would eliminate this 200-foot proximity rule, as well as the ability of adjoining property owners to object to the granting of such licenses. This would directly affect businesses seeking new retail liquor licenses and the communities surrounding schools and religious institutions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 890 (SB 890) proposes to change how excess electricity generated by renewable energy systems is valued. Specifically, it would alter the credit for surplus renewable energy fed back into the grid from its current rate to a wholesale rate. This change directly affects individuals, businesses, and other entities that generate more renewable electricity than they use. The bill also updates definitions related to net metering, including "community remote net-metering systems" and various "eligible credit recipients" such as low- or moderate-income housing, educational institutions, and commercial customers.

Maddy summarySB 855 establishes new rules for overtime work for state-employed peace officers, primarily affecting correctional officers in Rhode Island. The bill prevents the state from requiring these employees to work beyond an agreed-upon 8-hour (or 10-hour for correctional officer stewards) shift, except in unforeseeable emergent circumstances like a riot. Even in emergencies, overtime can only be required as a last resort after the employer has exhausted reasonable efforts to obtain staffing. If the state violates these provisions and requires work beyond the limit, it must pay the employee double time and a half their regular salary.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 891 requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at finding the best ways to lower energy rates for consumers in Rhode Island. Due by April 30, 2026, the study will investigate energy rates in other states and review current Rhode Island energy programs that contribute to costs. It also calls for recommendations to implement "energy notes" on future legislation to transparently show their impact on energy costs. An appropriation of $100,000 is provided to hire consultants and experts for this study.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 990, known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE ACT), establishes new regulations for individuals and businesses that charge fees to assist veterans with benefits claims. It prohibits upfront fees and mandates that compensation be contingent on an increase in benefits, capped at five times the monthly increase. The bill also restricts compensation for claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran waives free services. Additionally, it requires service providers to disclose their non-affiliation with government veterans' services and prohibits practices such as using international data centers for veteran personal information or accessing a veteran's accounts with their login credentials. Violations of these provisions could result in civil penalties.

Increases the penalty for anyone found guilty of reckless driving while eluding police to a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and subject to a loss of license from 1 to 2 years and a possible forfeiture of their motor vehicle.

Maddy summarySB 100 eliminates the sunset date for child care assistance for eligible child care educators and staff working at least 20 hours weekly in licensed facilities. This permanent change (previously set to expire July 2025) ensures ongoing funding for these workers to access child care while they work, directly affecting early childhood educators and staff providing services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill requires the department to provide this assistance without time limits, maintaining the same eligibility criteria as current programs. This policy change specifically modifies Section (k) of the Rhode Island Works Program, making a temporary provision permanent for affected child care professionals.

Maddy summarySB 551 allows animal control officers to immediately seize animals suspected of neglect or cruelty *before* criminal charges are resolved, requiring a 48-hour notice of a court hearing for permanent rehoming. If a court finds evidence of cruelty or neglect by a preponderance of the evidence, it can terminate the owner’s rights to the animal. Owners must pay reasonable care costs incurred during seizure, and the court may schedule the rehoming hearing before criminal proceedings conclude. The bill directly affects animal owners in cases of neglect, abandonment, or hazardous accumulation (overcrowded conditions), and applies to all animals except those in licensed research facilities or during legal hunting/consumption.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.