Sen. Hanna Gallo

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2754) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102/S. 1032). It addresses a policy that forces veterans with less than 20 years of service and a disability rating below 50% to have their retirement pay reduced dollar-for-dollar by their VA disability benefits. The resolution highlights that approximately 50,000 veterans are affected by this rule, which averages a $1,900 monthly offset, and seeks to eliminate this restriction to ensure medically retired veterans receive full retirement and disability benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the registration requirements for architecture firms and individual architects in Rhode Island. It clarifies that individual architects must maintain valid registration certificates that expire every two years and require renewal fees, with additional requirements if renewal is late. For architecture firms, the bill establishes specific ownership rules requiring two-thirds of leadership to be registered in any state or reciprocal jurisdiction and one-third to be registered in Rhode Island. The legislation also mandates that firms obtain a certificate of authorization from the state board, which must be renewed biennially and requires firms to report changes in ownership or leadership within 30 days. A transition period through 2027 allows existing firms to maintain their current authorizations until they undergo structural changes or leadership transitions.

Maddy summarySB 2184 removes the registration and plate transfer fee for vehicles displaying a Distinguished Service Cross license plate. This change directly affects veterans who have received the Distinguished Service Cross, the military's second-highest decoration for extraordinary heroism. The bill modifies the state's vehicle registration system by eliminating the standard fee that would otherwise apply when registering a vehicle or transferring this specific plate. This is a targeted administrative adjustment to reduce costs for eligible veterans using the special license plate.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" throughout Rhode Island. The measure directly affects the approximately 21,000 public school teachers, administrators, and staff employed across the state's cities and towns. By formally proclaiming this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to publicly acknowledge the contributions of educators to student development and community life. The Secretary of State is authorized to send certified copies of this declaration to the leaders of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association of Rhode Island.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

Creates the child-serving provider liability joint underwriting association to provide a joint underwriting association to provide liability insurance coverage for eligible child serving providers.

Maddy summarySB 2433 establishes a presumption that school-age child care programs operating within RIDE-certified school buildings (public, charter, or approved non-public K-12 schools) automatically meet facility-based quality rating requirements. This means physical space features like room layout, furnishings, and storage - typically assessed under tools like SACERS - will be treated as compliant or neutral in quality ratings, without lowering a program’s score. The bill does not alter existing licensing, health, safety, or enforcement standards; it only streamlines the rating process for programs in certified school buildings. This change applies to all school-age child care programs licensed under Title 42, Chapter 12.5.

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 28, 2026, as "Arts Day in Rhode Island" to highlight the importance of arts and culture within the state. The bill encourages all residents to reflect on how creative activities enrich their lives and support local communities. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to recognize the economic and social benefits of the arts sector. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.