Sen. Sam Zurier

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Sandra Berube on her retirement after 33 years of service to the Rhode Island State Senate. The document recognizes her long career, which includes roles as a Secretary, Administrative Assistant, and Legislative Grants Coordinator, highlighting her work supporting various agencies and nonprofits. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Berube as a gesture of appreciation for her contributions to the state.

Maddy summarySB 2628 establishes statewide limits on minimum off-street parking requirements for new housing and commercial developments. It prohibits municipalities from requiring more than one parking space per single-family home, half a space per multi-family unit, or two spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial space. The bill exempts certain projects from parking mandates, including small homes under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet, affordable housing, historic district buildings, and child daycare centers. Municipalities must update their zoning codes by December 31, 2026, to comply, while retaining authority over bicycle parking, loading zones, and traffic studies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider creating a seasonal heat pump rate within Docket 25-45-GE. The proposed rate would lower electricity costs for heat pump users during winter months by reducing grid usage fees, similar to Massachusetts' existing approach. It aligns with Rhode Island's climate goals to increase electric heating adoption by 2030, as noted in the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy. The resolution does not create the rate but formally asks the PUC to evaluate it as part of an ongoing rate adjustment process.

Maddy summarySB 2215 authorizes school administrators to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a threat to the safety of others, not just if they are disruptive. For preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional and can only occur when a student’s behavior presents an immediate physical safety risk. The bill also mandates that suspensions for alcohol, drugs, or weapons violations be handled case-by-case, and requires schools to annually collect and publish data on discipline practices, including race, disability, and age demographics. This data must be reviewed to address any disproportionate impacts on specific student groups.

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

Permits continuation of instructor-led virtual instruction for drivers’ education for two-year period. Board of education required to provide report comparing test scores of virtual versus in-person instruction to house speaker and senate president.

Maddy summarySB 2710 would make it a criminal offense to possess certain firearms designated as "prohibited" under the law. This bill directly affects individuals who currently own or handle these specific firearms without legal authorization. The key provision establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited firearms, shifting the legal standard from prior law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided context.

Changes the application to purchase a firearm. Further, this act would require all persons seeking to possess a firearm except for police and military personnel to complete and pass a basic firearm safety training course.

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.

Requires that any person convicted of a charge of driving under the influence or refusal to submit to a chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle as part of any sentence before being eligible for a license reinstatement.