Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for drivers who cause accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death while knowingly failing to stop at the scene. It directly affects vehicle operators involved in such incidents by expanding the range of possible punishments for these offenses. Key provisions include mandatory license revocation periods, longer prison sentences, and higher fines depending on whether the outcome was injury, serious injury, or death. The law also clarifies that these stricter penalties apply to accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Maddy summarySB 2115 requires all Rhode Island hospitals to have a notary public available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This applies directly to hospitals and ensures patients can get advance healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and wills notarized during hospitalization, either in person or by a notary visiting the patient's room. The notary must verify signatures with valid ID and be accessible through the patient services department. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not change medical care standards, only hospital administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the composition of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services by adding the Senate majority leader to the existing group of committee members. The committee currently includes the Senate president, Senate majority and minority leaders, House majority and minority leaders, and the House speaker. By including the Senate majority leader, the legislation ensures broader representation of Senate leadership within this permanent oversight body. The changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Superior Court Judge Joseph J. McBurney and Head of Security Dana Smith for their actions during an incident where ICE agents mistakenly targeted a high school intern working in the Rhode Island Superior Court. The document details how the judge and security staff protected the student by keeping him inside a car while agents surrounded them, eventually confirming the intern's identity was misidentified. The resolution formally commends these individuals for their intervention and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the commendation to both men. This legislative text serves as a formal recognition of their conduct rather than a change in laws or court procedures.

Maddy summarySB 3201 amends election laws to allow voters to electronically sign nomination papers for party and independent candidates through a new online portal. The bill also clarifies rules for preparing and distributing these papers, such as combining candidates from the same party on single sheets and ensuring names match official voting lists. While the specific number of signatures required varies by office, the legislation confirms that electronic signatures collected via the portal will count toward these totals. These changes directly affect candidates seeking nomination and the voters who endorse them, streamlining the process while maintaining existing signature requirements.

Allocates the assessment of fines for failure to file reports between the board of elections between the candidate and political action or political party committee.

Prohibits the Rhode Island medical assistance program from requiring prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the coverage of a medication classified as an anticonvulsant or antipsychotic.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from asking for money or other donations while standing or sitting in a crosswalk, intersection, or safety zone. The law applies to all people within the state but excludes toll collectors on municipal or state roads. Violations could result in fines ranging from $250 to $500, community service hours, or up to one year in prison for repeat offenses, with judges also having the option to order counseling. The legislation aims to keep pedestrian areas clear and safe by preventing solicitation activities in these specific locations.