Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summarySB 522 requires the state board of elections to publish all write-in votes for every office on its website, regardless of whether the candidate was qualified or if the votes affected the election outcome. This applies to every write-in vote cast in federal, state, and local races, including those reviewed by local election boards. The bill mandates that the state board report these votes in full detail, including any write-in votes that received fewer than five votes in a race. This change increases transparency around write-in voting by making all such votes publicly accessible, directly affecting voters who cast write-ins and election officials responsible for reporting.

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.

Maddy summarySB 315 clarifies that any change in an insurance producer's compensation is considered a "contract modification," requiring insurers to provide 180 days' written notice before implementing such changes. It directly affects insurance producers who work with multiple insurers, protecting them from sudden payment adjustments without advance notice. The bill mandates that insurers must give this 180-day notice for compensation changes, aligning with existing 14-month notice requirements for contract cancellations. This defines a specific procedural safeguard for producers' compensation terms within the Producer Licensing Act. The bill takes effect upon passage and has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person’s transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

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.

Extends the repayment period for toll violations, and requires the RI transit and bridge authority to notify frequent violators by certified mail that their driver's license may be in jeopardy for failure to pay toll violations.

Maddy summarySR 594 is a procedural resolution adopting the official rules governing the Senate's internal operations for the 2025-2026 legislative session. It defines key terms (like "legislative day" and "presiding officer") and establishes the order of business, including session times, committee referrals, and voting procedures. This resolution directly affects how the Senate conducts its daily proceedings but does not change substantive laws or impact the public. The Senate passed this resolution on March 13, 2025, to formalize its operational framework for the upcoming session.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 764), not a substantive bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Bowers family following the death of Eleanor C. Bowers, a longtime resident of Warwick and Winthrop, Maine, who was the mother and grandmother of two Senate staffers. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on laws or constituents; it serves only as a formal expression of sympathy. It was unanimously passed by the Senate on March 13, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her surviving children.

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.