Sen. Lammis Vargas

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 9, 2026, as "Rhode Island Home Visiting Day" to highlight the importance of home visiting services for families. The measure encourages state residents to acknowledge these programs, which connect parents with resources to promote child health and development. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the directors of the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.

Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.

Requires all major hospitals within the state constructed or substantially renovated or expanded on or after 1/1/2028 to use renewable energy sources for power.

Requires notice to E-ZPass users before DMV reporting, and set rules and regulations for transponder failures, requires outreach and free replacements, and allow mitigation or forgiveness of tolls and penalties from equipment failures.

Requires that an independent efficiency and performance audit of the department of transportation be commissioned by the department of administration.

Requires employers to provide full-time employees four (4) hours of paid leave once a year to donate blood through and any approved blood donation program.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island to honor children of service members. The measure highlights the sacrifices these families make and encourages the public to show support during this time. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Legion Post 85 Women's Auxiliary.

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.

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.