Sen. Pam Lauria

Primary SB 2407

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS

Maddy summarySB 2407 would extend the maximum term of employment for school superintendents in Rhode Island from three to five years. This change directly affects school committees, which hire and set terms for superintendents, by allowing them to establish longer contracts. The bill amends Section 16-2-9(12) of state education law to update the term limit from three years to five years. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

died May 13, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SR 3274

Passed · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE WEEK OF MAY 6TH THROUGH MAY 12TH OF 2026, AS "NATIONAL NURSES WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2026, as National Nurses Week in Rhode Island to honor the state's registered nurses. The measure commemorates Florence Nightingale's birthday and recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of their performance during the pandemic and the growing demand for nursing services. It encourages all residents to express gratitude to nurses throughout the year and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant nursing organizations.

Passed May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2981

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMPUTER CRIME

Makes it unnecessary to prove that a person's transmission of electronic communications be for the sole purpose of harassment before being found guilty of cyberstalking or cyberharassment.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens cyberstalking laws by removing the 'sole purpose' requirement, enhancing victim protection and law enforcement ability to prosecute digital harassment cases.85% confidence TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill lowers threshold for cybercrime convictions, potentially restricting digital communication rights and limiting technology use without requiring proof of malicious intent.75% confidence

died May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2984

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates free communication and in-person visits for inmates, enhancing rehabilitation and family connections, which supports criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

died May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2159

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE

Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires parole board member with lived experience and professional background, promoting rehabilitation-focused decisions and systemic reform in corrections.95% confidence

died May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2308

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- PAROLE

Provides that prisoners who committed offenses prior to age 18 and were sentenced as adults be eligible for parole after completing 15 yrs of their sentence. Would not lengthen parole eligibility should prisoner be eligible for parole earlier than 15 yrs.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows juvenile offenders sentenced as adults parole eligibility after 15 years, aligning with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform by reducing excessive sentencing for youth.90% confidence

died May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2031

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides targeted tax relief (increased credit up to $850) for elderly/disabled homeowners, aligning with tax relief for lower/middle income groups.95% confidence HousingSupports HousingProvides tax credit for elderly/disabled renters/homeowners, reducing housing costs and increasing affordability for vulnerable groups.90% confidence

In committee May 12, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2126

Passed · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND WORKS PROGRAM

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves compliance barriers for childcare assistance, facilitating workforce participation by eliminating mandatory paternity/child support conditions for eligibility.85% confidence

Passed May 8, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2492

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND HEALTHCARE TRANSACTION OVERSIGHT ACT

Requires a healthcare entity to submit written notice to the attorney general and the department of health of any material change transaction at least 180 days prior to that transaction.

died May 7, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2049

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Establishes a program within the adult correctional institution to permit medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA to be provided for the treatment of opioid use disorder to any incarcerated individual.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes FDA-approved medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in prisons, directly enhancing rehabilitation programs and reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in correctional facilities, expanding healthcare access for incarcerated individuals.90% confidence

died May 7, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track