Sen. Hanna Gallo

Maddy summarySB 1062 renames the East Bay Bike Path Bridge in Warren (spanning the Palmer River) as the Cpl. Richard C. Brule Bridge. This bill directly affects the bridge's official designation and honors Corporal Richard C. Brule. The change is purely ceremonial with no policy or funding impact, taking effect upon the governor's signature.

Creates a process for licensure/oversight by DBR over the practices/procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and regulation of fees.

Amends the definitions of a “pupil transportation vehicle” to a vehicle contrasted to seat not more than ten (10) passengers plus the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight (8) passengers.

Maddy summarySB 198 extends the authorization for licensed physical therapists to order diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays) as part of their practice beyond December 31, 2025. This bill directly affects physical therapists and their patients by allowing continued access to imaging tests without requiring a separate physician order. Key provisions include requiring therapists to report imaging results to a patient’s primary care physician within seven days (unless no primary care provider exists) and mandating annual utilization reports from health insurance plans to the legislature. The law maintains existing reporting requirements while removing the previous expiration date for this practice.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1165) celebrating the 30th anniversary of Father Bernard A. Healey's priestly ordination on June 24, 2025. It formally recognizes his decades of service to Rhode Island, including his work with the poor, his roles as a chaplain and Catholic Conference director, and his community leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply directs the Secretary of State to send Father Healey a certified copy of the resolution. It directly affects only Father Healey as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1164), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as the sixth President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), noting she is the first alumna and second woman to hold this role. The resolution highlights her career path as a CCRI nursing graduate, faculty member, and interim president, including her leadership during a period of institutional growth. It contains no policy changes, funding, or obligations - it is purely an honorary gesture to recognize her appointment and achievements. The Senate passed it on June 21, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.

Maddy summarySB 654 establishes a $250,000 pilot program for virtual reality (VR) learning platforms to improve math instruction for students in grades 6 through 12. The bill requires the Department of Education to select a VR program proven to boost algebra 1 scores through third-party evaluation, with funding covering teacher training and equipment in districts needing enhanced math engagement. The program must use 3D models to teach standards-aligned math concepts through real-world problem-solving scenarios. A third-party report on student achievement impact is required before the program begins in the 2026-2027 school year.

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases or shell casings seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing, also would require 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution condemns the June 14, 2025, shooting that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. It expresses sympathy to the affected families and was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 17, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally denounces political violence. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies to Minnesota officials.