Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1136) formally recognizes June 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state's cultural, economic, and social fabric, particularly highlighting communities in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with the Governor, Portuguese officials, and the Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the community's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1138) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Yolanda Caceres de Leonardo, a dedicated nursing assistant and community member from the Dominican Republic. It honors her life, including her 20+ years of childcare work, her family (notably her step-daughter, State Senator Ana B. Leonardo Quezada), and her community involvement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Senator Leonardo. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2025 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor LGBTQIA+ communities and their history of advocacy. It is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or legal requirements; the resolution itself does not change laws or affect any individuals. The Senate directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, the governor, congressional representatives, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. It commemorates ongoing efforts toward equality but does not create new rights or obligations.

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.

Maddy summarySB 757 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to allocate their state tuition assistance benefits to their dependents. Dependents must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and enrolled in Rhode Island state colleges or universities. The bill requires members to commit to one additional year of service for every 12 course credits covered for themselves or their dependents, with repayment required if obligations aren't met. This expands existing tuition benefits for National Guard members to include family members, subject to specific eligibility and service requirements.

Allows a clinical laboratory, that is incorporated in the State of Rhode Island, to analyze blood samples, from children under the age of six (6) years, for blood lead levels.

Maddy summarySB 988 adds Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday and Washington's Birthday to the list of recognized holidays under state labor law for purposes of work regulations on holidays and Sundays. This means employers must follow the same rules for these two holidays as they do for other designated holidays, such as requiring overtime pay or time off for eligible employees. The bill specifically amends the definition of "Holidays" in the labor code to include these days, affecting all employers covered by the state's work-on-holidays and Sundays provisions. It does not change existing exemptions for certain industries or employees. The bill passed the Senate and takes effect upon passage.

Imposes a hospital licensing fee for fiscal year 2026 against net patient-services revenue of every non-government owned hospital for the hospital’s first fiscal year ending on or after January 1, 2024.

Allows retired state employees who worked for the unified judicial system as certified or qualified court interpreters to be employed or reemployed for a limited period in a given year.

Prohibits insurance companies from paying a rate that is less than the approved Medicaid rate set by the executive office of health and human services.