Sen. Sam Zurier

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Develops standards of civics education in grades K-12 teaching history in the state of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship, principals of democracy, and media literacy.

Maddy summarySB 358 creates a new legal right for people injured by artificial intelligence systems developed by companies that trained or fine-tuned very high-cost AI models (costing over $100 million for initial training or $10 million for significant modifications). It holds developers strictly liable for injuries to non-users (like bystanders) caused by AI systems that behave in ways a human would consider negligent or intentionally harmful, without requiring proof of developer negligence. The bill excludes defamation claims and establishes a rebuttable presumption that AI systems meet the mental state required for certain torts if a human in similar circumstances would have acted that way. Developers can avoid liability by proving the AI met human standards of care or the harm resulted from a "capabilities failure" (where the AI underperformed but didn't act negligently).

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Emily Santerre for being named Miss Ireland in West Warwick’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It recognizes her academic achievements, leadership roles (including as Treasurer for National Honor Society), athletic accomplishments (multi-sport captain, school record in pole vault), and dedication to Irish-American heritage. The resolution formally congratulates her and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her and her family. It has no legal effect or policy changes - only symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (SR 835) that formally commemorates the Feast of St. Joseph, celebrated annually on March 19th. It recognizes Saint Joseph's significance to Christians globally and specifically honors Italian-American cultural heritage in Rhode Island, referencing historical ties to Italian immigrants. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Italian American Historical Society of Rhode Island. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 837) symbolically declares March 2025 as "Arts in the Schools Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but urges all citizens to recognize and support arts educators, artists, and administrators who provide arts education in schools. The resolution cites the value of arts learning for student skills like critical thinking and cultural competency, aligning with national arts education organizations. It directs the Secretary of State to certify the resolution to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 839) congratulating Bryant University's men's basketball team for winning the America East Regular Season and Tournament Championships and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. It specifically recognizes the team's 23-11 record, championship victories, and key players like Earl Timberlake (Player of the Year) and coach Phil Martelli, Jr. (Coach of the Year). The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses official recognition and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the coach. It directly affects Bryant University's team and coaching staff as a symbolic honor.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 17, 2025, as "Profound Autism Day in Rhode Island" to recognize individuals with profound autism and their families. It specifically highlights people aged 8+ with significant cognitive challenges (IQ <50), minimal language, and high care needs like 24-hour supervision. The resolution aims to raise awareness about disparities in diagnosis and support access, urging inclusion in services and research. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the community's needs.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 834) passed by the Rhode Island Senate to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and recognize Ireland’s historical contributions to the U.S. War of Independence. It honors Irish immigrants’ roles in early American history, including military service during the Revolutionary War and cultural influence. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Irish-American state legislators across the U.S. (including Rhode Island’s Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy). As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 572 modifies small claims and consumer court procedures by increasing the maximum amount for required counterclaims from $2,500 to $5,000 and simplifying appeal fee structures. It requires plaintiffs to pay a $55 entry fee (with $20 dedicated to a mediation fund) and sets a $75 appeal fee for defendants or plaintiffs appealing counterclaims. The bill also mandates written waivers of appeal rights for both parties and specifies that defaulting defendants in consumer cases forfeit all appeal rights. This directly affects individuals and businesses involved in small claims or consumer disputes under $5,000 in district court.