Sen. Hanna Gallo

Maddy summarySB 2526 terminates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's extension of the Providence Public Schools (PPSD) turnaround plan, which had been set to continue until October 2027. This bill directly affects Providence Public Schools by ending their current oversight structure under the state's student investment initiative. The key provision nullifies the specific administrative extension issued on August 29, 2024, making it "null and void and terminated." The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, ending the extended oversight period for PPSD. This is a procedural bill that modifies an existing administrative action rather than creating new educational policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Superior Court Judge Joseph J. McBurney and Head of Security Dana Smith for their actions during an incident where ICE agents mistakenly targeted a high school intern working in the Rhode Island Superior Court. The document details how the judge and security staff protected the student by keeping him inside a car while agents surrounded them, eventually confirming the intern's identity was misidentified. The resolution formally commends these individuals for their intervention and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the commendation to both men. This legislative text serves as a formal recognition of their conduct rather than a change in laws or court procedures.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 2 years, continuously, prior to taking office.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act to establish state-level procedures that prevent discrimination and vote suppression in elections. It directly affects political subdivisions across Rhode Island, including cities, towns, and state agencies, by prohibiting election policies that create disparities in voter participation or ability to participate in the political process. The law defines protected classes based on race, color, language-minority status, and other characteristics, and sets standards for identifying voter suppression and vote dilution without requiring proof of intentional discrimination. Key provisions include protections for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and early voting access, while allowing political subdivisions to adopt alternative election methods if they can show a compelling governmental interest.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages residents to participate in financial education programs and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the RI JumpStart Coalition. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of personal finance skills.

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits healthcare companies from unilaterally changing important terms in contracts with healthcare providers while the contracts are still active. It directly affects health plans and healthcare providers by requiring mutual written agreement for any contract changes or allowing changes only when required by state or federal law. The law defines material terms to include reimbursement rates, payment schedules, coverage rules, and quality requirements, ensuring providers have stability during contract periods. Any proposed changes not mandated by law must be given at least 90 days notice before a contract renewal takes effect.

Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee, by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement, under a health plan as of January 1, 2027.

Characterizes the failure of a homeowner's insurance policy to use matching principle in its interpretation of replacement cost coverage in its homeowner's insurance policy, as an unfair claim settlement practices.

Requires insurance companies to settle claims or request additional information within 30 days of receipt of a notice of claim. Failure to comply results in $250/day payable to the insured party.