Sen. Lammis Vargas

Maddy summarySB 354 increases the per-page transcription fees for court reporters in Rhode Island court proceedings. It raises the fee for original transcripts to $3.50 per page and for copies to $2.00 per page, while setting a $10.00 fee per cassette for electronic recording reproductions. This bill directly affects court reporters who provide transcripts and parties (individuals or attorneys) who request them. The change applies to all civil and criminal cases in superior, family, district, and traffic courts. The bill took effect upon the Governor's signature on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1144) honors Karen McGrath, a Cranston Public Library branch librarian retiring after 39 years of service, specifically recognizing her creation of the 29-year Books @ Home program that delivers library materials to homebound residents. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 10, 2025, formally thanks her for her dedication and cites her national recognition from the American Library Association. It does not create new policy or affect any laws, as it is a ceremonial tribute to her career.

Raises the minimum fee per barrel of petroleum products or crude oil from five cents ($0.05) to ten cents ($0.10) per barrel as part of the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee.

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1136) formally recognizes June 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state's cultural, economic, and social fabric, particularly highlighting communities in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with the Governor, Portuguese officials, and the Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the community's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1138) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Yolanda Caceres de Leonardo, a dedicated nursing assistant and community member from the Dominican Republic. It honors her life, including her 20+ years of childcare work, her family (notably her step-daughter, State Senator Ana B. Leonardo Quezada), and her community involvement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Senator Leonardo. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2025 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor LGBTQIA+ communities and their history of advocacy. It is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or legal requirements; the resolution itself does not change laws or affect any individuals. The Senate directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, the governor, congressional representatives, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. It commemorates ongoing efforts toward equality but does not create new rights or obligations.

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.

Denies the right of footway, except within one hundred (100) yards of the Pawtuxet River in the cities of Warwick and Cranston and excepts in connection with a right to pass with carriages, to be acquired by prescription or adverse use.

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.