Sen. Sam Zurier

Maddy summarySB 887 ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and federally funded activities, even if federal law changes. It requires the state to maintain all existing disability protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if that federal law is repealed or invalidated by a court or federal action. The law automatically reverts to the state’s prior legal standards for disability rights as of the day before any federal change takes effect. This directly affects all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state funding or operating under state regulation.

Grants Rhode Island's family court jurisdiction to make findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors under twenty-one (21) years.

Maddy summarySB 476 removes a 3-month supply limit for initial contraceptive prescriptions dispensed by pharmacists in Rhode Island. This change directly affects patients seeking first-time hormonal contraceptive access through pharmacies, allowing pharmacists to prescribe longer initial supplies. The bill also requires pharmacists to complete specific training, provide patient risk assessments, and notify primary care providers, while maintaining insurance coverage requirements for these contraceptives. The law took effect on June 30, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Allows for measures to advance the undergrounding of certain utility cables and to have the same funded through utility rate increases to the cities of Providence and East Providence.

Eliminates one of two (2) conflicting versions of the science and technology advisory council authorizing statute, clarifying the structure of the council.

Maddy summarySB 497 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Center for Southeast Asians from local property taxes. This bill amends Rhode Island's tax code to add the Center specifically to the list of exempt properties under Section 44-3-3. The exemption applies directly to the Center's buildings, land, and other physical assets used for its operations. No other properties or organizations are affected by this change, and the bill does not alter existing tax rates or broader exemption rules. The legislation was signed into law on June 26, 2025.

Prohibits casualty insurers from assessing any premium surcharge or penalty against an insured solely for inquiring about the terms of the insured's policy.

Empowers the division of motor vehicles to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the City of Providence a one-time exemption from the standard property tax levy cap for fiscal year 2026, allowing it to increase property taxes by up to 8% instead of the usual 4% growth limit. The exemption applies only to Providence for this single fiscal year and does not alter the general tax cap rules for other cities or future years. The bill amends existing law to specifically permit this higher cap for Providence, with no other changes to local tax levy procedures. It was passed by the legislature and signed into law in June 2025.

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.