Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 2677 expands the ability of individuals to have their criminal records expunged by allowing multiple non-violent felony convictions to be cleared ten years after the sentence is completed. The bill also permits the expungement of multiple misdemeanor convictions after five years and includes provisions for deferred sentences and decriminalized offenses. Eligible applicants must demonstrate good moral character, show no new arrests or convictions in the relevant time period, and have paid all associated court fees and fines. Courts retain the discretion to grant or deny these motions based on whether the applicant's rehabilitation aligns with the public interest.

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.

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.

Changes the name of The College Crusade Scholarship to the Onward We Learn Scholarship and provide that those scholarships would not be considered federal or financial aid with regard to the Promise Scholarship or Hope Scholarship Pilot Program.

Maddy summarySB 2172 proposes to increase the minimum property tax exemption for veterans in Rhode Island from $1,000 to $6,000. This change would apply to individuals who served honorably in various U.S. military conflicts, as well as their unmarried widows or widowers. The bill allows local towns to set their own exemption amounts, which often exceed the state minimum, and it clarifies how the exemption is applied to a veteran's real and personal property.

Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2024 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese community. The bill recognizes the group's historical and ongoing contributions to the state's economy, culture, and public service, particularly in cities like Providence and Newport. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state officials, the government of Portugal, and local organizations. This measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of Portuguese heritage rather than a change to laws or regulations.

Prohibits insurance companies from paying a rate that is less than the approved Medicaid rate set by the executive office of health and human services.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2024 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate progress made toward equality. The bill acknowledges ongoing challenges faced by these groups, including discrimination and disparities in health and housing, while highlighting local events like the Rhode Island PrideFest. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to state and federal officials, as well as various LGBTQIA+ organizations, to mark the occasion.

Protects the solvency of health systems, physicians, and advance practice providers and insurers, encourage fair treatment of hospitals and ensure adequate clinical workforce while advancing health equity.