Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Rhode Island's state education department and high school sports league to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for student athletics. It mandates clear definitions of hazing, zero-tolerance sanctions (including team suspensions or season cancellations), and education components to prevent hazing. All schools in the state participating in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League must follow this policy, which also requires student-athletes to sign an acknowledgment of the rules before joining teams. The policy explicitly states that consent is never a defense for hazing and ensures consistent discipline across all schools. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2130 requires the state board of elections to publish all write-in votes online, regardless of whether the candidate is qualified or if the votes could affect election results. It mandates that local election boards adjudicate write-in votes in races where the total could impact outcomes, and the state board must publish these adjudicated votes along with all write-in votes cast, including those with fewer than five votes. This applies to all federal, state, and local races, ensuring transparency in how write-in votes are processed and reported. The bill changes existing rules by requiring mandatory public disclosure of all write-in ballots, not just those affecting election margins.

Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.

Maddy summarySB 2182 removes the fee for drivers education classes at Rhode Island's community colleges for youth living in foster or adoptive homes. This directly affects young people in these care settings who would otherwise pay the standard fee to complete required driver's education. The bill's key provision exempts these individuals from the fee requirement, making the program more accessible. This change reduces a financial barrier to obtaining driver's education, which is a prerequisite for a driver's license in Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySB 2452 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for children in out-of-school time (OST) programs serving K-12 students across Rhode Island. The bill provides funds for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, culturally responsive materials, and wellness-focused activities within community-based after-school and summer programs. Eligible programs must use funds flexibly to address local needs while prioritizing high-need communities and geographic diversity. The Rhode Island Afterschool Network will administer the grants through a competitive process and submit annual reports on program reach and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new fund within the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support bilingual education programs in public schools. The primary mechanism is a grant program that provides financial assistance to school districts, community organizations, and universities for planning and implementing dual language instruction models, particularly in areas with high numbers of multilingual learners. Additionally, the legislation creates a strategy to increase the number of certified bilingual teachers by streamlining certification processes and funding professional development. Eligible recipients must adhere to specific high-quality standards and focus on developing curricula and staffing plans that serve students in both English and their home languages.

Amends what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.

Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character.

Maddy summarySB 2149 expands the jurisdiction of the Warwick municipal court, allowing it to handle a broader range of cases within the city. This change directly affects the court's authority to adjudicate local legal matters without specifying new case types. The bill’s key mechanism is a formal expansion of the court’s existing jurisdictional scope as defined by state law. As a procedural bill, it focuses on court administrative authority rather than creating new substantive laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing the Warwick City Charter to give the city council a greater role in approving mayoral appointments to specific city boards and commissions. If voters approve the amendment in the 2026 election, the council would be able to pass rules requiring its consent for these appointments, with the exception of the Board of Public Safety. The bill does not change who currently holds these positions but alters the process by which future appointees are selected. Ultimately, the change requires a direct vote by Warwick residents to take effect.