Sen. Hanna Gallo

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 11-17, 2026, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges faced by individuals who cannot afford menstrual products. The bill acknowledges that despite existing tax exemptions on period supplies, many women and girls, particularly those living in poverty, still struggle to access these essential items. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to local organizations like Amenity Aid and the Rhode Island Foundation to support ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for expanded assistance programs.

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Expands RI’s Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as eligible zero-emission resources and sets rules for how they qualify.

Prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that limit the agency's ability to install or run the software of the agency's choosing on their hardware.

Enlarges definitions of prohibited acts that constitute hazing, make principals, coaches, athletic directors and others responsible for knowingly failing to take reasonable measures to prevent hazing and punishes serious injury.

Reinstates, for all teachers and state employees who retired after July 1, 2012, their annual cost of living adjustment for retirement plan year 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new seven-member board of trustees to govern the Central Falls School District, replacing the current special state administrator and advisory group. The board members will be appointed by the state Board of Regents, with at least four required to be local residents and parents of current or former students in the district. Under this structure, the state commissioner of education retains significant oversight, including the power to intervene in school management if deemed necessary, while the new board handles policy-making, budget approval, and superintendent appointments. Additionally, the legislation amends state funding rules to provide direct state support for high-cost special education students and career and technical education programs.

Maddy summarySB 2212 automatically extends teaching licenses for 3 or 5 years without fees or penalties for all teachers certified as of July 1, 2026. It also waives all application and Praxis exam fees for new teacher certifications through June 30, 2029, to support recruitment. The bill requires the Rhode Island Department of Education to revise certification rules to create flexible pathways, including credit for work experience or competency demonstrations, for both initial and additional teaching credentials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 19, 2026, as Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1913-1923 atrocities committed against Greek populations in the Ottoman Empire. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada, formally acknowledging the historical event and its survivors. By establishing this specific date for commemoration, the bill aims to ensure the state recognizes the significance of this period in history and pays tribute to the contributions of Greek and Pontic descendants to the community.

Requires that the state’s share to support public library services in fiscal year 2027 be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town in the second preceding fiscal year.