Sen. Lou Raptakis

Maddy summarySB 2220, the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act, prohibits all atmospheric experiments that release pollutants, including cloud seeding, solar radiation modification (SRM), and other weather-altering activities. It directly affects any entity conducting such experiments - such as government agencies, corporations, NGOs, or AI systems - by banning the release of pollutants like PFAS "forever chemicals" and chaff. The bill establishes a regulatory framework under Rhode Island’s Health and Safety code to prevent atmospheric pollution, citing threats to public health, drought, and wildfire risks. This law specifically targets intentional atmospheric interventions involving aerosols, chemicals, or electromagnetic radiation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2190) commemorates the 83rd anniversary of the "Four Chaplains" - four military chaplains (George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, and John Washington) who died in 1943 when the SS Dorchester was torpedoed during WWII. The resolution honors their sacrifice of giving up their life jackets to save others, as documented in the resolution's historical context. It directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Department of Veterans Affairs and the Marine Corps League Division Chaplain, with no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2194) formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Margaret M. Ottman of Bellingham. It honors her life and legacy, highlighting her 38-year federal career, quilting contributions, and role as a devoted family matriarch ("Nana"). The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her daughter, Nancy Phillips, and family. As a ceremonial resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects only the Ottman family through this formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summarySR 2192 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating January 18-24, 2026, as "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their role in providing safe, cost-effective anesthesia care across all healthcare settings, including rural communities and military facilities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Nurse Anesthetists (RIANA). As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not change laws or policies but honors CRNAs’ work, including their pandemic response.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2193) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences upon the passing of Carrigan McCorrie-Raine Nelson. It commemorates her life, highlighting her seven-year battle with osteosarcoma, her achievements as a musician, Taekwondo champion, and advocate for childhood cancer awareness, and her recognition as "Person of the Year." The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her parents, Tammy and Paul Nelson. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill. It honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on January 15, 2026, and marks the 40th anniversary of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, congressional representatives, and the Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission. It has no policy impact or direct effect on citizens, as it serves solely to recognize Dr. King's legacy through symbolic acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 2080 repeals the entire 2021 Act on Climate, which established Rhode Island's statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and created a Climate Change Council. This repeal directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council, and any entities previously required to comply with the law's requirements. The bill removes all specific emission targets (like 45% below 1990 levels by 2030) and the council's duties, including developing climate plans, addressing environmental justice, and tracking progress. It does not create new requirements but eliminates the existing legal framework for climate action. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2070) formally honors Kathy Nadeau upon her retirement after 33 years of public service with the State of Rhode Island, including her role as RIPTA's Chief of Human Resources. It recognizes her work modernizing HR operations, addressing bus driver shortages through training and wage initiatives, and serving on the Joint Pension Board. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Nadeau. Passed by the Senate on January 15, 2026, it commemorates her career without creating new laws or affecting any stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2003), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the family of Mary D. Burke following her passing. The resolution formally extends sympathy to her spouse (deceased), children (including Senator John Burke and others), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It does not create any new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2006) expressing the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Judge Frank Caprio. It commemorates his life, legacy as a judge and television personality, community service, and family, while extending "deepest sympathy" to his family. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Judge Caprio's widow, Joyce Caprio. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this symbolic gesture.