Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summarySB 2020 creates the Rhode Island Fire Services Training Fund within the Department of Public Safety to support statewide fire service training. It requires all property and casualty insurance companies in Rhode Island to pay a 0.25% annual assessment on the prior year’s premiums for specific policies (like homeowners, commercial property, and inland marine insurance), starting January 1, 2028. The fund will directly support the Rhode Island Fire Academy, recruit training, hazardous materials programs, equipment, and municipal training grants, with unspent funds remaining in the dedicated fund. The assessment is separate from other fees and cannot be passed to policyholders as a surcharge.

Restricts private vehicle property damage insurance coverage for a rental passenger vehicle, to the named insured and drivers listed on that private policy, unless the designated driver is specifically excluded.

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

Maddy summarySB 830 adjusts vehicle registration fees for leased vehicles. It allows owners of vehicles leased for 36 months to renew registration for one additional year to match lease expiration, with fees adjusted accordingly (Section 1). The bill also updates the registration fee schedule by clarifying existing weight-based rates for cars, trucks, and trailers (Section 2), including specific fees for different gross weight categories. This directly affects lessees of vehicles under 36-month leases and the DMV’s fee collection process. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on July 2, 2025.

Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person receives a credit for the time remaining on the original registration to be applied to a future registration.

Maddy summarySB 179 allows public school teachers and administrators in all grades to offer students a brief moment of silence each September 11 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It directly affects public school students and staff by providing an optional, non-religious observance opportunity. The bill requires no new funding or major policy shifts - it simply permits schools to facilitate this moment when they choose. This is a procedural measure focused on remembrance, not a substantive change to education policy.

Maddy summarySB 816 prohibits candidates, campaigns, PACs, and independent spenders from distributing AI-generated or manipulated videos, audio, or images (deemed "deceptive synthetic media") in election communications within 90 days of an election. It requires clear, visible disclosures if such media is used (e.g., text in large font for videos, spoken announcement for audio), with exemptions for news outlets, satire, and platforms protected under federal law. The bill directly affects election campaigns, political committees, and entities making independent expenditures, while allowing candidates to seek legal action for violations. It does not restrict general news reporting, satire, or security-related uses of synthetic media.

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

Requires that, beginning January 1, 2028, all contractors structurally remodeling or building new residential structures with 1 to 4 family dwelling units be licensed by the contractors’ registration and licensing board.

Increases the maximum number of voters that a polling place can accommodate 3,000 to 3,500 and provide for existing polling places that exceed the maximum number of voters, not be required to be changed until the next decennial redistricting.