Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summaryThis bill updates state law to include Washington's Birthday as an official holiday for the purposes of the "work on holidays and Sundays" statute. The change directly affects employers and employees covered under this specific law, which generally requires businesses to close on designated holidays unless they can prove economic necessity. Under the existing rules, companies must demonstrate specific hardships, such as continuous production needs or industry standards, to justify operating on holidays like New Year's Day or Christmas. By adding Washington's Birthday to the list of recognized holidays, the legislation ensures that businesses must follow the same closure requirements or provide justification for working on this date as they do for other statutory holidays. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2486 would repeal the existing laws that regulate retail promotions involving games of chance, such as contests where customers can win prizes based on luck. Currently, businesses offering these promotions must file detailed statements with the secretary of state, post rules and prize information in their stores, and keep records of winners to ensure fairness and transparency. The bill also removes criminal penalties for failing to follow these rules or for manipulating, rigging, or coercing participation in such schemes. By eliminating these statutes, the legislation would remove the legal framework governing how retail establishments conduct prize-based marketing campaigns.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the passing of Gregory A. Jones, a retired firefighter and dedicated public servant from Cumberland, Rhode Island. The document honors his life by highlighting his 31-year career as an engineer for Verizon and his subsequent service as a firefighter with the Cumberland Fire District until his retirement in 2022. It also acknowledges his extensive volunteer work with organizations like the Rhode Island Special Olympics and his roles within various firefighters' unions. Finally, the resolution authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the text to Jones' surviving family members, including his mother, children, and siblings.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 10, 2024, as Lupus Day in Rhode Island to raise awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects women aged 15 to 45. The bill highlights the need for better public understanding of the condition's symptoms and encourages charitable donations to the Lupus Foundation of America and related research organizations. By formally proclaiming the date, the Senate aims to join global efforts in supporting patients and improving access to medical care for those living with the disease.

Allows correctional industries to conduct business for goods or services with any 501(c)(3) and would require customers of correctional industries to pay fifty present (50%) of an order upon the placement of the order.

Permits the department of environmental management and local municipalities to drain, remove, and replace an overflowing septic tank or system.

Establishes concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and the Federal Government for the purposes of adjudicating minors who have allegedly committed a crime while residing on a military installation located in Rhode Island.

Amends the statute punishing child pornography by replacing the term "child pornography" with the term "child sexual abuse material."