Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summarySB 2678 increases the monthly minimum retirement benefit paid to spouses, domestic partners, and former spouses of retired teachers. This change directly affects individuals who receive survivor benefits under the teachers' retirement system. The bill raises the minimum monthly payment amount without altering other retirement eligibility rules. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Maddy summarySB 2733 prohibits individuals in state prison or jail custody from using force or weapons to resist lawful requests or directives from correctional staff. It directly affects incarcerated people by making such resistance a violation of the law. The bill establishes a clear rule that limits the use of force by people in correctional facilities during routine operations, such as transfers or medical requests. This policy change aims to enhance safety for staff and other inmates by clarifying expectations during lawful interactions. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.

Aligns the implementation date of youth camp licensing within the operational, and statutory framework of the Rhode Island department of human services and department of children, youth and families.

Maddy summarySB 2480 makes traffic accident data publicly accessible as a public record, subject to restrictions under federal law (23 U.S.C. § 407). Public bodies must provide written notice of these federal usage restrictions when releasing the data. The bill does not change federal law but requires government entities to make this data available to the public while prohibiting its use for purposes banned by the federal statute. This directly affects citizens seeking traffic accident information and government agencies managing public records.

Defines "military-connected student" and permits military-connected students to enroll by remote registration upon presentation of military orders confirming the parent or guardian be stationed in this state during the current or following school year.

Establishes the Rhode Island orange heart medal to formally recognize Rhode Island veterans whose service exposed them to toxic herbicides, burn pits, or other hazardous agents.

Creates a new registration plate for qualified individuals to possess an "adaptive vehicle license plate" to accommodate the transportation needs of an individual with a significant mobility impairment.

Maddy summarySB 2185 creates a special license plate for vehicle owners to support the nonprofit charity Real Access Motivates Progress (a 501(c)(3) organization). The bill directly affects drivers who choose to purchase this plate instead of standard registration. It authorizes the state to issue the plate with the charity's name, allowing owners to contribute to the nonprofit through their vehicle registration fees.

Amends the composition of the Rhode Island school safety committee by adding an additional member who is a representative from the Rhode Island school Resource officer Association.