Sen. Mark McKenney

Maddy summarySR 80 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing the Lunar New Year celebration for "The Year of the Wood Snake" on January 29, 2025. It formally acknowledges this cultural observance and expresses appreciation to Rhode Island's Asian community for contributions to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 79) celebrating "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in Rhode Island from January 26 to February 1, 2025. It formally recognizes physician anesthesiologists for their role in patient safety during surgeries, labor, pain management, and care for veterans, highlighting their extensive training and the "Anesthesia Care Team" model. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, with no new laws or policy changes enacted.

This resolution would amend the rules of the Senate relative to committees and would create a new committee on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Provides that any insurer refusing to honor a "direction to pay" executed by an insured for payment on a property damage benefit would constitute an unfair claims practice.

Redefines misdemeanors for expungement purposes and make prior felonies, subsequently reclassified as misdemeanors, eligible for expungement pursuant to sections 12-1.3-2 and 12-1.3-3.

Amends definition of "authorized representative" in the confidentiality of health-care communications/information act provides that an authorized representative may include any heir-at-law when the patient is deceased/the personal representative is absent

Creates a 13-member joint commission to study the transportation needs of students and recommend what changes are necessary, and who would report back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, and expire on May 27, 2025.

Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, a voluntary initiative designed to help private sector workers save for retirement. Administered by the state treasurer, the program allows eligible private employers to automatically deduct small amounts from employees' paychecks into individual retirement accounts. The legislation defines who can participate, sets rules for how the money is invested, and requires the program to offer educational resources to help employees make informed decisions about their savings.

Implements a grant program to fund public or private partnerships that provide opportunities for healthcare paraprofessionals to pursue higher education degrees and health professional licensure.