Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summarySB 2722 creates a new legal claim (cause of action) for individuals to seek reimbursement from responsible parties for the replacement cost of a child restraint system (like a car seat) damaged in a motor vehicle accident. This directly affects parents, guardians, or caregivers who must replace such safety equipment after a crash. The key provision allows victims to file a civil lawsuit specifically to recover these replacement costs through the court system. The bill does not change accident liability rules but adds a specific financial remedy for a common post-crash expense related to child safety. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 2149 expands the jurisdiction of the Warwick municipal court, allowing it to handle a broader range of cases within the city. This change directly affects the court's authority to adjudicate local legal matters without specifying new case types. The bill’s key mechanism is a formal expansion of the court’s existing jurisdictional scope as defined by state law. As a procedural bill, it focuses on court administrative authority rather than creating new substantive laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing the Warwick City Charter to give the city council a greater role in approving mayoral appointments to specific city boards and commissions. If voters approve the amendment in the 2026 election, the council would be able to pass rules requiring its consent for these appointments, with the exception of the Board of Public Safety. The bill does not change who currently holds these positions but alters the process by which future appointees are selected. Ultimately, the change requires a direct vote by Warwick residents to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates students and faculty at Thompson Middle School for their participation in the 2026 Rhode Island Civics Day event. It specifically recognizes the school's first-year involvement in the program and celebrates a student team that won the Top Middle School Award for their community project. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the school's teacher and principal.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Thrive Behavioral Health, Inc. on its 50th anniversary and recognizes its long-standing contributions to mental health care in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the organization's growth from its founding as the Kent County Mental Health Center to its current role as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides comprehensive, affordable services. It highlights Thrive's holistic approach, which combines clinical treatment with support for housing and employment to help individuals achieve stability. The resolution expresses gratitude for the organization's work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's president and CEO.

Clarifies and updates language in the office of state medical examiners statute to address outdated or ambiguous language, outdated practices, outdated position titles/qualifications, and ensure compliance with federal HIPAA requirements.

Allows electronic notifications modernize language for notifications, synchronize renewal dates for certain license-types, streamline licensing requirements across several license-types, and update the unlicensed health care practices statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates health and safety laws to remove outdated language and clarify requirements for asbestos removal and radon control. It directly affects property owners, contractors, and health officials who manage buildings with potential asbestos or radon hazards. The legislation aims to modernize existing regulations by ensuring current standards are clearly defined and consistently applied. By refining these rules, the bill seeks to improve safety protocols without changing the fundamental approach to managing these environmental risks.

Updates the RI coordinate system to adopt the most recent system of plane coordinates established by the NGS, a federal agency which is part of NOAA and the USDC. Modifies the meter to foot conversion to adopt the international foot to provide uniformity.

Ensures any public school with available seats, after completion of the initial enrollment period for students, shall make all open seats available to other students residing within the same school district.