Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2026, as National Nurses Week in Rhode Island to honor the state's registered nurses. The measure commemorates Florence Nightingale's birthday and recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of their performance during the pandemic and the growing demand for nursing services. It encourages all residents to express gratitude to nurses throughout the year and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant nursing organizations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan while encouraging stronger bilateral ties in trade, defense, and culture. The bill proposes concrete steps such as establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the state legislature, exploring the creation of a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan, and signing a memorandum of understanding to boost economic cooperation. It also urges the state government to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Additionally, the resolution calls for concluding an agreement to avoid double taxation on trade and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant state and federal officials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Month" and May 12, 2026, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. The measure aims to increase public understanding of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects people of all ages and often involves symptoms like fatigue, sleep disorders, and cognitive difficulties. By encouraging residents, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to participate, the bill seeks to reduce stigma and promote better support for those living with the illness. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Fibromyalgia Association to highlight the state's commitment to the cause.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure aims to honor police and law enforcement officers who have died while performing their duties by aligning with the national observance established by federal proclamation. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to various police organizations and associations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. This action serves as a formal state recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement rather than implementing new laws or policies.

Expands RI’s Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as eligible zero-emission resources and sets rules for how they qualify.

Prohibits individual who operates a recreational vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner which hinders the movement of other vehicles with a group of 2 more vehicles be guilty of felony, punishable by imprisonment up to 2.5 years and fine up to $2,000.

Prohibits individuals from conveying items to or from the training school for youth without prior consent by the executive director of the division of youth development at the department of children, youth and families.

Allows vehicles owned and operated by the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Inc and/or its affiliates or subsidiaries to operate with forward facing red and white emergency lights.

Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.

Maddy summarySB 2296 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways by loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, kneeling) in ways that could interfere with vehicle movement. It sets mandatory prison sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days mandatory), 3-5 years for a second, 5-10 years for a third, and 5-30 years if death results. The law explicitly excludes lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes from this offense. It affects anyone who obstructs highway traffic in the specified manner, with penalties starting at one year in prison.