Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 687 proposes several changes to the regulation of nurses and the Board of Nursing. The bill revises the composition of the Board of Nursing, adjusting the number and types of professional nurses, practical nurses, and public members, and extends board member terms from three to four years. It also updates the board's powers, allowing it to require physical or psychiatric examinations for licensees with probable cause of impairment and refer them to non-disciplinary alternative programs. Additionally, it clarifies the qualifications for practical nurse applicants and streamlines the electronic license renewal process. These changes directly affect licensed nurses and the state's Board of Nursing.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 607 amends existing laws related to the regulation of nurses and speech-language pathologists/audiologists. For nurses, the bill clarifies the rules for recent graduates to practice temporarily under supervision while awaiting their licensing exam results, requiring licensure within 90 days of graduation. It also refines conditions for out-of-state nurses who are temporarily practicing in the state. For speech-language pathologists and audiologists, the bill updates certain definitions, such as for "audiology support personnel," to align with current regulatory language. These changes aim to provide clarity and update professional licensing requirements.

Amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to set the regionalization bonus at 2% of the state's share of foundation education aid for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, and for each year thereafter.

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Barrington Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Barrington on November 5, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 964) formally designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or requirements but publicly recognizes the importance of financial education, urging all Rhode Islanders to participate in programs that improve skills like budgeting, saving, and avoiding financial scams. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share the proclamation with the RI JumpStart Coalition, a group focused on financial literacy education. It directly affects the state's public awareness efforts, aligning with existing high school financial education standards established in 2021.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 968) expressing condolences to the family of Ronald D. Newman, a former Richmond Town Council member and longtime Rhode Island Department of Agriculture employee. The resolution honors his 29-year career in state agriculture, his service on the Richmond Town Council (including terms as Council President), and his community contributions. It was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on April 10, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Cathleen Newman, and family. As a non-binding expression of sympathy, it does not create policy or affect any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (SR 967), not a bill with policy changes. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to families who lost loved ones in the April 8, 2025, building collapse at the Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which killed 184 people. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island (DIHACRI). It has no legislative effect or funding provisions, solely serving as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 966), not a bill with policy changes. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's formal support for the LGBTQIA+ community through a resolution passed on April 10, 2025. The resolution states the Senate's solidarity with the community, acknowledges ongoing challenges like discrimination and violence, and affirms the state's commitment to protecting civil rights. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect individuals or policies; it is a declarative statement directed to the Governor via the Secretary of State.

Maddy summarySB 478 amends licensing rules for midwives to expand their prescribing authority for specific medications related to maternal and infant health. Certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) would be permitted to prescribe up to 51 listed medications - including antibiotics for infections, medications for hemorrhage, prenatal vitamins, vaccines, and pain management - under oversight by the Department of Health. This directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by allowing midwives to address common health needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum without requiring physician referrals for these specific treatments. The bill does not change midwives' scope for complex medical conditions but formalizes existing practices for routine care. It is pending further committee review after a recent recommendation to hold it for additional study.

Mandates that all restaurants offering children's meals offer at least two (2) children's meals that complies with certain detailed nutritional standards set forth in the act.