Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the laws governing the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to change how one of its directors is selected. Specifically, it requires that one of the seven directors of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation be appointed by the mayor of Warwick. The legislation focuses on adjusting the appointment process for a specific subsidiary rather than creating new policies or funding. This change directly affects the governance structure of the airport corporation by shifting one director's appointment authority from the state to a local official.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's existing Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights by renaming it the Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act. It directly affects permanently employed police officers, state troopers, and other sworn law enforcement employees, excluding department chiefs and top-ranking administrators. The key provisions establish a new five-member hearing committee with a mix of judges, attorneys, and officers to review complaints against officers, while also mandating that legal fees for this committee be split evenly between the agency and the accused officer. Additionally, the law requires that investigations be conducted at reasonable hours, allows officers to have legal counsel present during interrogations, and ensures officers are fully informed of the specific complaints and names of complainants before questioning begins.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Requires hosting platforms offering short-term rental of residential property for tourist or transient use to disclose on listings the current, valid registration number and its expiration date.

Prohibits contractors and subcontractors from paying employees the cash equivalent of any applicable healthcare benefit in lieu of actually purchasing the healthcare benefit. Violations would be subject to civil fines.

Maddy summarySB 2781 updates the state's Uniform Commercial Code to include modern definitions for emerging digital technologies. The bill amends the law's general provisions to formally define terms such as "electronic," "electronic document of title," and "control," ensuring these concepts apply to business transactions involving digital records. By clarifying how electronic documents function alongside traditional paper instruments, the legislation provides a consistent legal framework for buying, selling, and securing goods in the digital economy. These changes directly affect businesses and individuals engaged in commercial activities that rely on electronic systems for managing titles and contracts.

Permits Dyslexia Advocacy Rhode Island plates to be issued for passenger or commercial vehicles upon the satisfaction of the required criteria relative to the number of plates ordered.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits insurance companies from charging higher premiums to policyholders simply for asking questions about the terms of their coverage. It also prevents insurers from penalizing drivers for accidents or claims where the driver was not more than half at fault, or for property damage claims under $3,000. Additionally, the legislation bars insurers from refusing to renew policies or raising rates solely because a driver is 65 or older or because they volunteer for a nonprofit organization. These changes aim to restrict how insurers calculate rates and handle specific low-risk or non-fault situations.

Reduces the time, from three (3) years to one year, required for a nonimmigrant foreign national student, who has resided in Rhode Island, to be eligible to pay the same in-state tuition as any other Rhode Island student.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Pawtuxet Rangers, a historic Rhode Island militia group established in 1774. The document highlights the unit's long legacy of service, including its role in the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Dorr Rebellion, as well as its modern reactivation in 1972. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the current commanding officer of the Pawtuxet Rangers.