Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summarySB 914 removes the registration fee and plate transfer charge for special motor vehicle plates issued to recipients of the United States Army Distinguished Service Cross medal. Previously, these individuals were required to pay these fees for their Distinguished Service Cross plates. The bill ensures that applicants, including surviving spouses who receive the plate, will no longer incur these costs. This change is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySR 1036 is a Senate Resolution that proclaims May 8, 2025, as "Arts Day in Rhode Island." It encourages all Rhode Islanders to reflect on how arts and culture enrich their lives and recognizes their critical role in communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.

Maddy summarySB 947 increases the penalties for drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in injury, serious bodily injury, or death. The bill specifically raises the terms for imprisonment, fines, and license revocation for drivers who knowingly fail to stop after such accidents. It establishes stricter penalties based on the severity of the outcome and whether it's a first or subsequent offense. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for "driving so as to endanger" offenses that cause death or serious bodily injury, and these provisions apply to accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.

Requires that the license plates of a vehicle be confiscated by a police officer if the owner was arrested for driving while their license was suspended, revoked or cancelled for refusing to submit to a chemical test or for operating under the influence.

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

Maddy summarySB 946 makes it unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen to possess a firearm. However, the bill outlines specific exceptions where minors are permitted to possess or use firearms. These exceptions include participation in supervised activities such as lawful hunting, competitive shooting, or firearms education programs, and use at approved camps or rifle ranges when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult. Minors may also transport an unloaded firearm in a suitable case to and from these locations when accompanied by an adult.

Maddy summarySB 948 amends existing law concerning the expungement of criminal records. This bill primarily affects individuals applying for a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver and the law enforcement agencies responsible for issuing these permits. Under its provisions, applicants for such licenses or permits would be required to disclose any expunged criminal convictions. Law enforcement agencies would also be allowed to access and consider these expunged records during the evaluation process for pistol or revolver permits.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 140 amends state law regarding the Corrections Department to modify probation sentences. It specifically prohibits individuals serving a probationary period for driving under the influence offenses that result in death from earning "good time" credits. These credits would typically reduce the length of a probation sentence for compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions. This bill ensures that those convicted of driving under the influence death resulting will serve the full term of their court-ordered probation without such reductions.

Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

Maddy summarySB 410 amends the method for calculating service retirement allowances for police officers and firefighters under an optional retirement plan. Beginning July 1, 2025, the bill establishes that a member's retirement allowance will be based on their accrued benefit as of June 30, 2025. For service performed after this date, an additional two and one-half percent (2.5%) of their final compensation will be added per year of service. This adjustment primarily impacts the calculation of future retirement benefits for these public safety personnel.