Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summarySB 658 amends Rhode Island's Works Program to remove a waiting period for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) seeking cash assistance benefits. Previously, these individuals faced a delay before accessing benefits, even if otherwise eligible. The bill directly affects lawful permanent residents enrolled in the state's cash assistance program by allowing immediate access to benefits upon meeting other eligibility requirements. This change modifies Section 40-5.2-10(a)(2) of the General Laws, eliminating the prior waiting period requirement for this group. The policy shift focuses solely on updating eligibility rules without altering other program conditions.

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31-41.1-4.

Requires immediate notification to the person in charge of the educational program when a child has a cardiac emergency and the head of the educational program must notify the department of education within 24 hours.

Maddy summarySB 91, the Building Decarbonization Act of 2024, requires owners of large commercial and residential buildings (over 25,000 square feet) to benchmark energy use and meet future emissions standards. It establishes an Environmental Justice Advisory Board to help implement these rules and mandates that new buildings be "electric-ready" to support cleaner energy use. The law applies directly to building owners of qualifying properties, including multi-unit residential complexes and commercial spaces, while excluding public facilities and federal buildings. Key provisions include standardized energy reporting, performance targets, and dedicated funding to support compliance, aiming to reduce building emissions in line with Rhode Island’s 2050 net-zero goal.

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

Maddy summarySB 864 bans wildlife killing contests - where participants compete to kill animals for cash, prizes, or other incentives - on both public and private lands in the state. It directly affects organizers, sponsors, and participants of such contests, including businesses or groups hosting them. The bill allows exceptions for authorized wildlife damage control, field trials, and standard hunting/trapping activities under existing laws. Violators face fines starting at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Rhode Island. It ceremonially recognizes libraries as community hubs that provide free access to resources, support digital equity, and foster inclusive spaces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to all Rhode Island libraries and thanks library staff for their service. It has no binding policy effect - it is purely a symbolic acknowledgment of libraries' role in the community.

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $32,594,799 to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.