Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1158) is a symbolic recognition resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate, urging citizens to observe "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" on June 19, 2025. It does not create new law or change existing holidays but formally acknowledges the historical significance of June 19, 1865 - the date enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. The resolution supports annual community education about this history and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Governor. As a commemorative measure, it directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging participation in the observance.

Authorizes the sale of THC-infused beverages to be regulated by the DBR division of commercial licensing. It also establishes licensing and an endorsement process for wholesale and retail THC-infused beverages.

Limits the mandatory rental registry to properties constructed prior to 1978, and further push out the effective date of registration to September 1, 2025, with the penalty clause becoming effective as of October 1, 2025.

I) TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES TO REPLACE PILGRIM HIGH SCHOOL AND TOLLGATE HIGH SCHOOL AND ON-SITE ATHLETIC FIELDS, AND (II) RECREATION AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY (Authorizes the city of Warwick to issue not more than $50,000,000 general obligation bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness to finance two new high schools and school facilities.

Maddy summarySB 554 amends Rhode Island's Personal Watercraft Safety Act to increase penalties for certain violations. It makes violations of specific safety rules (sections 46-27-2(b) and 46-27-2(h)) punishable as misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail, plus possible six-month suspension of operating privileges. Other violations of the act or related environmental management rules become civil violations with $250 fines. The bill directly affects personal watercraft operators who breach these safety provisions. It takes effect upon passage, as signed by the governor on June 13, 2025.

Requires the installation of universal changing stations in all newly constructed, reconstructed, or remodeled public buildings and places of public accommodation.

Provides that a communication between an attorney and client acting as a trustee or other fiduciary, is privileged and protected from disclosure to the same extent as if the client was acting in his, her, or its individual capacity.

Maddy summarySB 514 requires the state retirement board to post all archived and future video or audio recordings of its meetings online on the employees' retirement system website. This applies to all retirement board meetings and any subsidiary investment boards. The law, effective January 1, 2026, mandates this transparency for all recordings, both past and future. It does not change retirement benefits or funding but makes board deliberations more publicly accessible.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to §§ 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.