Sen. Lou Raptakis

Adds criminal penalties for operation of a motor vehicle after a suspension for lack of physical or mental fitness, or as a result of frequency of offenses pursuant to § 31-11-7 (a)(1)(i) or as result of a court ordered suspension.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael J. Murphy, who passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. The bill honors Murphy's life by acknowledging his roles as a husband, father, community leader, and long-time basketball coach who dedicated over 35 years to mentoring youth at St. Joseph School. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Murphy's family as a formal gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of social workers in the state. The measure recognizes the profession's role in addressing mental health, addiction, poverty, and social justice issues across schools, hospitals, and government agencies. It calls on citizens to support the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's executive director.

Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.

Ensures that the State of Rhode Island adopt the protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act if its scope or enforcement capacity is diminished.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer screening and education. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology. The resolution recognizes the state's commitment to improving access to colorectal cancer screenings and honors past advocacy efforts in the area.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

Creates the interchange fee restriction act prohibiting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 19, 2026, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the institution's contributions to the community. The bill recognizes Rhode Island College as the state's oldest public college and highlights its academic programs, athletic achievements, and recent investments in modernizing facilities for science and cybersecurity education. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college president, Dr. Jack R. Warner, as a formal acknowledgment of the college's role in the state's education and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates AHEPA Chapter 106 "Sophocles" of Providence on its 100th anniversary. The bill recognizes the organization's century-long history of community service, education support, and cultural preservation within Rhode Island's Greek-American community. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the chapter's president, Mr. George Coclin. This is a ceremonial measure that honors the chapter's contributions without changing laws or policies.