Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new fund within the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support bilingual education programs in public schools. The primary mechanism is a grant program that provides financial assistance to school districts, community organizations, and universities for planning and implementing dual language instruction models, particularly in areas with high numbers of multilingual learners. Additionally, the legislation creates a strategy to increase the number of certified bilingual teachers by streamlining certification processes and funding professional development. Eligible recipients must adhere to specific high-quality standards and focus on developing curricula and staffing plans that serve students in both English and their home languages.
Sponsored bills
Amends what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.
Maddy summarySB 2667, the "Rhode Island Childcare Is Essential Act," would expand eligibility for Rhode Island's state childcare assistance program to align with federal standards. This change would directly affect low-income working families who currently may not qualify for state childcare subsidies under current rules. The key mechanism is adjusting the state's income and asset thresholds to match the federal benchmark, potentially allowing more families to access subsidized childcare. The bill aims to increase access to affordable childcare for working parents without adding new state costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allocating $150,000 in funding to the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local businesses and community revitalization efforts across the state. The appropriation would provide financial resources to the program's existing initiatives aimed at strengthening main street areas and small businesses. The legislation is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee for review. No specific details about how the funds will be distributed or managed are included in the current text.
Maddy summarySB 2722 creates a new legal claim (cause of action) for individuals to seek reimbursement from responsible parties for the replacement cost of a child restraint system (like a car seat) damaged in a motor vehicle accident. This directly affects parents, guardians, or caregivers who must replace such safety equipment after a crash. The key provision allows victims to file a civil lawsuit specifically to recover these replacement costs through the court system. The bill does not change accident liability rules but adds a specific financial remedy for a common post-crash expense related to child safety. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Maddy summarySB 2401 authorizes the city of Cranston to create a housing division within its municipal court to handle specific housing-related violations. This division would directly affect Cranston residents and property owners facing violations of local housing codes, zoning ordinances, building regulations, or minimum housing standards. The housing division can impose fines up to $500 or 30 days in jail for these violations, and appeals from its decisions would go to the superior court within 20 days. The bill specifies the exact types of housing-related violations the division can address, including zoning, housing maintenance, and state building code violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "employee" under Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices law to include individuals working in domestic service, such as nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers employed by private households. By making this change, the bill ensures that domestic workers are protected against discrimination based on age, sex, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity in the same way as other employees. The legislation applies to employers who hire four or more individuals, though it maintains existing exemptions for religious organizations and their employees. This update removes the previous exclusion of domestic workers from state anti-discrimination protections, bringing them under the same legal framework as other workers.
Ensures any public school with available seats, after completion of the initial enrollment period for students, shall make all open seats available to other students residing within the same school district.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2354) requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to end a cost-sharing mechanism for gas line extensions in Rhode Island Energy's tariffs. Currently, all gas customers pay for new connections to the gas system through a "gas line extension allowance," which the resolution argues locks in long-term gas infrastructure conflicting with climate goals. The request specifically targets Docket 25-45-GE, where Rhode Island Energy is proposing rate adjustments, and asks the PUC to eliminate this allowance as part of those changes. The resolution directly affects all gas customers by removing a shared cost for new infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution creates a fifteen-member special legislative commission to study how Rhode Island can better educate and retain primary care providers like doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. The commission will include representatives from medical schools, professional associations, community health centers, and local nonprofits, and it will produce annual reports on access to care and the state's medical education resources. Members serve without pay and will submit their findings and recommendations directly to the President of the Senate. The bill addresses the current shortage of primary care providers in the state by establishing a formal group to investigate workforce challenges and propose solutions.