Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 100 eliminates the sunset date for child care assistance for eligible child care educators and staff working at least 20 hours weekly in licensed facilities. This permanent change (previously set to expire July 2025) ensures ongoing funding for these workers to access child care while they work, directly affecting early childhood educators and staff providing services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill requires the department to provide this assistance without time limits, maintaining the same eligibility criteria as current programs. This policy change specifically modifies Section (k) of the Rhode Island Works Program, making a temporary provision permanent for affected child care professionals.

Establishes guidelines for the expansion of high-quality public prekindergarten education programs for children ages three (3) and four (4) to increase children’s school readiness.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Maddy summarySB 363, the Military Child Act, helps military-connected students (dependents of active-duty military members or Rhode Island National Guard members) choose schools more easily when relocating. It creates "advance enrollment," allowing remote registration without physical presence using military orders and temporary housing addresses, with residency proof due within 10 days. It also establishes "open enrollment," letting these students attend any school district regardless of capacity if they meet active-duty criteria (e.g., a Department of Defense ID card and proof of active duty orders). The bill directly affects school districts, military families, and students facing frequent moves due to military service.

Requires immediate notification to the person in charge of the educational program when a child has a cardiac emergency and the head of the educational program must notify the department of education within 24 hours.

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Allows for the holder of a manufacturer's license to be able to sell one one-sixth (1/6) barrel key of malt beverage, produced on the premises, per day.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 960) is a symbolic commemoration honoring Vietnam War veterans. It formally thanks and honors all America's and Rhode Island's Vietnam War veterans for their service and sacrifice, specifically referencing Rhode Island's existing law (G.L. §25-2-20) that designates March 29 as "Vietnam Veterans Day." The resolution asks all Rhode Island residents to remember veterans' contributions on March 29, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policies or funding but serves to recognize veterans' service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Rhode Island. It ceremonially recognizes libraries as community hubs that provide free access to resources, support digital equity, and foster inclusive spaces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to all Rhode Island libraries and thanks library staff for their service. It has no binding policy effect - it is purely a symbolic acknowledgment of libraries' role in the community.

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.