Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 2215 authorizes school administrators to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a threat to the safety of others, not just if they are disruptive. For preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional and can only occur when a student’s behavior presents an immediate physical safety risk. The bill also mandates that suspensions for alcohol, drugs, or weapons violations be handled case-by-case, and requires schools to annually collect and publish data on discipline practices, including race, disability, and age demographics. This data must be reviewed to address any disproportionate impacts on specific student groups.

Directs the office of energy resources to develop building performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island that would cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline in line with the act on climate requirements.

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

Excludes portable solar generation devices intended primarily to offset part of a customer's electricity consumption from the definition of eligible net-metering system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as "School Library Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The bill aims to draw public attention to the vital role school librarians play in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship among students. It does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage citizens to recognize the value of school libraries. Upon passage, the Secretary of State will send copies of the resolution to the School Librarians of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Library Association.

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.

Creates process for individual to voluntarily be either temporarily or indefinitely added to a list restricting their rights to purchase or possess firearms. Adds civil fines and misdemeanor for violations.

Prohibits the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and muscle-building supplements to minors in Rhode Island and require age verification, restricted access, and civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 2611, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm industry members (including manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of firearms, ammunition, and accessories) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, traffickers, or straw purchasers. It prohibits advertising or marketing that promotes illegal use or increases public safety risks. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and affected individuals or the state may file lawsuits to seek damages, injunctions, or restitution. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, for new civil actions.

Maddy summarySB 2710 would make it a criminal offense to possess certain firearms designated as "prohibited" under the law. This bill directly affects individuals who currently own or handle these specific firearms without legal authorization. The key provision establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited firearms, shifting the legal standard from prior law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided context.