Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summarySR 934 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 171st anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity. It declares March 31, 2025 (the treaty’s signing date) as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state and federal officials. This resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition of historical ties between Rhode Island and Japan, including cultural exchanges and economic partnerships. It does not create new policies or affect any individuals or entities.

Provides that when 2 or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

Mandates that the clerk of the district court, upon request of the defendant, automatically seal individual counts of criminal complaints upon dismissal pursuant to rule 48(a) of the rules of criminal procedure for district court.

Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.

Provides a remedy for any harm caused due to deprivation or violation of rights secured by the Rhode Island Constitution due to acts of the State of Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySB 827 requires casinos to pay overtime to workers who work on Sundays or designated holidays, such as New Year's Day or Christmas. This bill directly affects casino employees in Rhode Island, as it amends the state's labor law to include them under overtime protections previously excluded. The key change modifies the definition of "employee" to remove casinos from the list of exempt workplaces, ensuring they follow standard overtime rules for holiday and Sunday shifts. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not alter other exemptions, like those for restaurants or healthcare workers.

Creates a shellfish hatchery program established by the department of environmental management to foster sustainable development and resiliency of the state's shellfish industry.

Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.

Maddy summarySB 642 establishes a $0.15 fee per 10,000 gallons of wastewater effluent discharged by treatment facilities across Rhode Island. This fee applies to all wastewater treatment facilities (not individual households) and begins July 1, 2025. Revenue from the fee will fund the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund, which supports environmental projects like watershed management, marine monitoring, and climate resilience initiatives. The bill expands the fund's revenue sources beyond previous septage-specific fees to include wastewater disposal.

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.