Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summarySB 950 creates a new felony offense for attempting to kidnap a minor. It defines this as taking any action toward kidnapping a minor (as defined in existing law) but failing to complete the act. Conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. This law directly affects individuals who take steps toward kidnapping a minor but do not succeed in completing the crime.

Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.

Provides that the “meetings” requirements from § 34-36.1-3.08 be applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, and would permit remote participation in condominium meetings.

Makes certain technical amendments /clarifications to the statutes relating to the assessment of real property and the timing and process to appeals thereof.

Requires certified athletic trainers to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and would require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.

Requires hotel employees and short-term rental property operators to annually receive human trafficking awareness training. The operator of the premises shall maintain records of the completed training.

Maddy summarySB 347 creates a limited license for foreign-trained physicians in Rhode Island who meet specific criteria. It allows doctors who graduated from medical schools outside the U.S. and completed accredited residency training abroad to practice under supervision, provided they hold ECFMG certification, have at least three years of unrestricted practice in another country, and complete a board-approved training program. This license requires ongoing evaluation through a participating healthcare facility and excludes physicians who completed U.S. or Canadian residency training. The bill directly affects internationally-trained doctors seeking to practice in Rhode Island while ensuring patient safety through structured oversight.

Maddy summarySB 318 establishes new procedures for Rhode Island to procure energy infrastructure, including transmission for nuclear power, large-scale hydroelectric power, and renewable resources like offshore wind. It authorizes state agencies and utilities to jointly issue competitive solicitations for regional transmission projects and natural gas pipeline capacity to improve energy reliability and security for ratepayers. The bill requires cost-benefit analyses for ratepayer impacts and mandates public utility commission review before binding commitments are made. This affects electric and gas utilities, ratepayers, and regional energy planning entities by creating a structured process for evaluating infrastructure projects.

Maddy summarySB 601 increases penalties for public utilities and carriers that violate duties outlined in state law. It raises fines for violations from $200-$1,000 to $200-$5,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate violation. The bill also imposes misdemeanor penalties of $100-$1,000 on utility officers or agents who violate rules or fail to comply with regulatory orders. This directly affects public utilities (like gas, water, or electric providers) and their employees responsible for adhering to regulatory requirements.

Amends the definitions of a “pupil transportation vehicle” to a vehicle contrasted to seat not more than ten (10) passengers plus the operator, rather than the existing limit of eight (8) passengers.