Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summarySB 952 amends the state's "Credit Card Crime Act" to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards subject to fraud penalties. This change directly affects individuals who commit fraud using stolen or counterfeit debit cards, ensuring such acts are covered under the same legal provisions previously applied only to credit cards. The bill modifies existing law to state that fraudulent use of "credit or debit cards" violates the statute, maintaining the same penalty structure based on the value obtained (e.g., $100 threshold over six months). It does not create new offenses or penalties but clarifies that debit card fraud is now explicitly prohibited under the current law.

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

Maddy summarySB 953 exempts emergency mail ballots from needing the specific "Mail voters" wording on the ballot. This change applies directly to voters who cast ballots by mail during declared emergencies under §17-20-2.2(g). The bill removes a requirement for the secretary of state to print this phrase on emergency mail ballots, streamlining the ballot process for those situations.

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.

2022) (Implements technical corrections to the transition rules for transactions governed by 2024 Public Laws Chapters 65 and 66 regarding security interests in emerging technologies.

Maddy summarySB 623 updates state casino crime laws to include online gambling (iGaming), adding "iGaming" to key definitions and ensuring age restrictions apply to digital platforms. It clarifies prohibited actions like cheating, fraud, or using unauthorized devices in both physical casinos and online games, maintaining existing penalties of up to 10 years in prison or $100,000 fines. The bill directly affects casinos, online gambling operators, and players by extending legal prohibitions to cover digital cheating methods. Key provisions include defining iGaming, updating "cheating device" rules for digital systems, and requiring compliance with age limits for online participation.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the continued purchase, cancellation and forgiveness of medical debt consistent with section 35-4-21.1 of the General Laws.

Maddy summarySB 414 permits retired state employees, including paid members of the state labor relations board, to continue receiving their full retirement benefits while working in specific post-retirement roles. The bill amends retirement rules to clarify that retired members may serve in certain positions - such as on the labor relations board, as part-time teachers, or in limited judicial roles - without forfeiting benefits. Key provisions require employers to notify the retirement board monthly about such employment and prohibit additional retirement contributions or service credits for this work. The law specifically allows continued benefit receipt for roles like municipal board members, classroom instruction, or part-time nursing services, subject to annual pay limits.

Maddy summarySB 118 creates the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to address staffing and care quality in nursing homes. The board, composed of 13 members representing employers, workers, community organizations, and state agencies, will advise the legislature and labor department on wages, working conditions, and training standards for nursing home staff. It will recommend statewide minimum compensation and workplace standards but cannot enforce them directly. The bill directly affects nursing home workers, employers, and residents by aiming to improve staffing stability and care quality through data-driven recommendations. (SB 118, "Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act," focuses on advisory recommendations, not direct regulation.)

Maddy summarySB 475, the "David Casey Act," requires public and private golf courses to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. This law expands existing requirements for AEDs at healthcare facilities and other public places (like schools, restaurants, and sports arenas) to specifically include golf courses. The bill mandates that all golf courses, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately operated, must maintain an AED accessible for immediate use in emergencies. This policy change directly affects golf course operators by adding a new safety equipment requirement.