Sen. Pete Appollonio

Establishes the first time home buyer savings program act. Allows modifications to federal adjusted gross income for $50,000 in contributions and $150,000 of interest and dividends included in federal adjusted gross income.

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 367), not a law with policy changes. It formally celebrates the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025, recognizing his career service as a Rhode Island State Police officer (20 years), U.S. Navy veteran (Korean Conflict), and security professional. The Senate passed the resolution on February 25, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Kenahan. It has no effect on laws, regulations, or any individual's rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 368) formally welcomes Scouting America's Narragansett Council to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. It expresses gratitude for the Council's community service, including 19,653 volunteer hours and 177,847 pounds of food collected in 2024. The resolution is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or funding provisions, serving only to recognize the organization's contributions. It was passed unanimously by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 371) commemorating the 181st anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2025. It formally recognizes the historical significance of Dominican independence, the contributions of Dominicans to Rhode Island (including the estimated 54,000 Dominican residents and their community impact), and the strong U.S.-Dominican relationship. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic, expressing the Senate's acknowledgment of this historical milestone and the Dominican-American community's role in Rhode Island. It does not affect any individuals, policies, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 372) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Murphy family following the passing of John M. Murphy. It formally recognizes his life and contributions, including his career as a banking executive, philanthropy supporting institutions like Providence College and St. Joseph's Hospital, and his service on the Providence City Council. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to Grace Murphy and her family. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 370) formally declares February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to the state's social, economic, and cultural development, referencing Rhode Island's role in Black history and the 2025 national theme focused on "African Americans and Labor." The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups; it is a symbolic gesture of acknowledgment. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Creates a nine (9) member commission to the study and assess the most effective module for divorcing parents, and would report back by January 27, 2026, and expire on March 27, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, and media to replace stigmatizing terms (like "addict" or "clean") with respectful, person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder"). It directs state entities to review all official materials for non-stigmatizing language and requires future substance use policies to be developed with input from the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on changing communication practices to reduce stigma and support recovery. It was passed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Amends the statute so as to conform to current statutory penalties for possession of marijuana offenses promulgated in the Rhode Island cannabis act allowing for possession of up to two ounces (2 oz.) of marijuana.