Sen. Lou Raptakis

Maddy summarySB 119 authorizes the state Department of Health to create rules that make buprenorphine more accessible for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). The bill directly affects patients with OUD and healthcare providers who prescribe this medication by requiring the department to adopt regulations that remove barriers to buprenorphine use. Key provisions include amending state law to mandate the department develop rules supporting "more liberal utilization" of buprenorphine in treatment. The bill does not change current prescribing requirements but gives the department authority to update regulations to expand access. It takes effect upon passage.

Requires the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and the Rhode Island commerce commission to develop and implement a plan to assist businesses in obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance program.

Maddy summarySB 72 allows disabled veteran license plates to be transferred to a spouse under specific circumstances. Eligible veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities (like 100% disability rating or inability to work due to service) currently receive registration fee exemptions and "Disabled Veteran" plates. The bill adds that plates may be transferred to a veteran's spouse during the veteran's lifetime if the veteran can no longer operate a vehicle, or after the veteran's death to a surviving spouse (until remarriage). This change affects veterans and their spouses who qualify for the disabled veteran plate program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 762) commemorates the mathematical constant π (pi) by designating March 14th as a day to honor its history and significance. It encourages schools, organizations, and individuals to promote math education through activities on Pi Day, while recognizing contributions of mathematicians like Archimedes and Euler. The resolution has no binding effect but formally acknowledges π's role in science and education, directing the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Mathematics Teachers Association.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 764), not a substantive bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Bowers family following the death of Eleanor C. Bowers, a longtime resident of Warwick and Winthrop, Maine, who was the mother and grandmother of two Senate staffers. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on laws or constituents; it serves only as a formal expression of sympathy. It was unanimously passed by the Senate on March 13, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her surviving children.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Ann D. McCaffrey, a former Warwick public school teacher and community member. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" from the Rhode Island Senate to her family, including her children (who include former Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey) and grandchildren. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family members. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not create new laws or affect any constituents.

Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ. The duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.

Maddy summarySR 759 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the importance of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection through public awareness. The resolution cites state cancer statistics, emphasizes that early screening improves survival rates from 90% to 10% when undetected, and references Senator Maryellen Goodwin's advocacy work. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the American Cancer Society and a medical professional. This is a commemorative resolution, not a legislative mandate.

Expands the deinstitutionalization subsidy aid program in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to include adoptive parent(s) or siblings(s).