Sen. Hanna Gallo

Maddy summarySB 816 prohibits candidates, campaigns, PACs, and independent spenders from distributing AI-generated or manipulated videos, audio, or images (deemed "deceptive synthetic media") in election communications within 90 days of an election. It requires clear, visible disclosures if such media is used (e.g., text in large font for videos, spoken announcement for audio), with exemptions for news outlets, satire, and platforms protected under federal law. The bill directly affects election campaigns, political committees, and entities making independent expenditures, while allowing candidates to seek legal action for violations. It does not restrict general news reporting, satire, or security-related uses of synthetic media.

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

Maddy summarySB 238, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing or restricting materials based on the creator's identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) or viewpoint. It defines censorship narrowly, excluding only obscene material (per legal standards) or content deemed developmentally inappropriate by recognized authorities like the ALA. The law requires libraries to adopt policies ensuring challenged materials remain available during review, establish formal reconsideration processes with 30-day timelines, and mandate written justifications for removals. These rules apply directly to public library boards, school committees, and librarians managing collections across the state.

Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.

Changes the process by which a dispute between the insured and their insurance company, concerning property damages and requires that the umpire appraisers shall be disinterested and the cost shared equally.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's SB 792, the "Rhode Island Kratom Act," authorizes and regulates the sale and distribution of kratom products within the state. It prohibits selling kratom in food/beverage forms, synthetic alkaloids (like synthetic mitragynine), combustible products, or items appealing to minors, and sets strict limits on heavy metals and concentration levels (e.g., no more than 150mg mitragynine per serving). The law requires all kratom products to be sold in child-resistant packaging and include specific health warnings, dosage information, and FDA disclaimers. It establishes licensing requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure compliance with these safety and labeling standards. The bill became law after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on July 2, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 887 ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and federally funded activities, even if federal law changes. It requires the state to maintain all existing disability protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if that federal law is repealed or invalidated by a court or federal action. The law automatically reverts to the state’s prior legal standards for disability rights as of the day before any federal change takes effect. This directly affects all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state funding or operating under state regulation.

Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.

Maddy summarySB 471 establishes licensing standards for speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island, affecting professionals who provide these services. It sets license terms (two years, renewable biennially), requires maintaining a clinical competence certificate for renewal, and creates an inactive status option for two years without fees. The bill also details specific requirements for speech-language pathology assistants, including 18 graduate credit hours, 25 observation hours, and 100 clinical hours under supervision. These changes update procedural rules for professional licensing under Rhode Island law.

Allows for the enactment of the dietitian licensure compact permitting a licensed dietitian from another state to become licensed within the state, and also permitting a dietitian licensed by the state to become licensed in another compact state.