Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Military Child Act, creates new enrollment rules for military-connected students in Rhode Island public schools. It defines "military-connected student" as a dependent of active-duty U.S. military personnel or Rhode Island National Guard members. The law allows these students to enroll remotely without physical presence using military orders, and permits "open enrollment" into any school district regardless of capacity if they provide a Department of Defense ID and proof of active duty orders for 30+ days. These provisions aim to reduce disruption during military relocations by simplifying school transfers.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for seven U.S. military personnel who died during a conflict with Iran. It directly affects the families of the deceased service members and acknowledges their specific contributions and service records. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to each family as a formal gesture of respect. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the fallen soldiers' sacrifice.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Green Buildings Act Commission, a 17-member body tasked with overseeing the implementation of green building standards for public construction projects. The legislation requires that all new or significantly renovated public facilities larger than 10,000 square feet meet specific environmental certification standards, such as LEED, SITES, or equivalent high-performance benchmarks, as a condition for receiving building permits and certificates of occupancy. Public school facilities receiving state funding must comply with these standards or the Northeast Collaborative for High-Performance Schools Protocol. The Department of Administration's State Building Office will provide administrative support and funding to the commission, while public agencies must submit required reports and information to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 2026 as "Arts in the Schools - Youth Art Month" in Rhode Island to recognize the importance of arts education. The bill celebrates the contributions of arts educators, artists, and administrators while encouraging citizens to observe the month and support arts programs in schools. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The resolution highlights how arts education benefits students by fostering skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural competency.
Maddy summarySB 2518 creates Rhode Island's first Interior Design Practice Act, establishing a registration system for interior designers. It directly affects interior designers practicing in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with a new state board and hold NCIDQ certification. The bill defines "practice" as nonstructural interior design work (like space planning and material selection) while explicitly excluding structural engineering or architectural services. It sets standards for education, experience, continuing education, and professional oversight to ensure public safety in interior design projects.
Requires superior court clerk to automatically seal cases/individual counts of a criminal complaint/indictment that were dismissed, upon request of defendant and serve it upon bureau of criminal identification, police department and counsel of record.
Maddy summarySB 2316 makes assaulting a sports official (like a referee, umpire, or coach) during their duties a felony, affecting all levels of organized sports including youth leagues, schools, and professional events. The bill imposes penalties of up to three years in prison or a $3,000 fine for basic assault, and 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine if serious bodily injury occurs. Convicted individuals must also pay restitution to victims, complete up to 500 hours of community service, or attend counseling, in addition to any prison time or fines. This law applies to assaults before, during, or after any sporting event where officials are enforcing rules.
Mandates health insurance coverage by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings in order to enable patients to get the critical care they need without delay.
Allows a modification for up to $50,000 of individual retirement account income that is included in federal adjusted gross income for the taxable year; provided that the person with individual retirement accounts has no income from pensions.
