Sen. Lou Raptakis

Distinguishes, in two separate subsections, a first offense for reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent offense for reckless driving, which is a felony.

Increases the penalty for anyone found guilty of reckless driving while eluding police to a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and subject to a loss of license from 1 to 2 years and a possible forfeiture of their motor vehicle.

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

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.

Mandates the use of a soft-shell helmet cover that adds a padded, soft-shell layer to the outside of a traditional football helmet, for students participating in Rhode Island interscholastic league football.

Provides all employees of retail establishments with 15 or more employees engaged in work during Sundays or holidays shall receive from their employer no less than time and a half and shall be guaranteed at least a minimum of four (4) hours employment.

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.

Increases, for persons subject to the Code of Ethics, the maximum value of an acceptable gift to $50.00 from a single interested person, but in no case can the gift have an aggregate value of more than $250 in any calendar year.

Maddy summarySB 821 expands the definition of "public official" under Rhode Island's threat law to explicitly include state government caseworkers and investigators. This means threatening these social workers - who help individuals access government resources like benefits or childcare - will now be treated as a felony under the same law that protects elected officials, judges, and law enforcement. The bill amends existing law by adding caseworkers/investigators to the list of protected individuals and defines "state government caseworker" as a social worker providing such services. The change makes threatening these workers punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.