Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.
Enables parents to review public school learning materials/object if the parent decides that the material is harmful. Also a parent may withdraw their student from the activity or class where the material is used and request an alternative assignment.
Maddy summarySB 400 repeals the 2021 Act on Climate, which established statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (including 45% below 1990 levels by 2030) and required a Climate Change Coordinating Council to develop plans for meeting these goals. The repealed law mandated the council to produce regular emission reduction plans, address environmental justice, and create equitable transition programs for workers in the clean energy sector. By repealing this act, SB 400 removes the state's legal obligation to pursue these emission targets and eliminates the associated planning requirements for state agencies. This repeal directly affects Rhode Island's climate policy framework by dismantling the structured approach to emission reductions.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 367), not a law with policy changes. It formally celebrates the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025, recognizing his career service as a Rhode Island State Police officer (20 years), U.S. Navy veteran (Korean Conflict), and security professional. The Senate passed the resolution on February 25, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Kenahan. It has no effect on laws, regulations, or any individual's rights or obligations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 366) commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the "Four Chaplains" - four military chaplains who died in World War II while sacrificing their lives to save others. It honors their actions during the 1943 torpedoing of the SS Dorchester, where they gave up their life jackets to help fellow soldiers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Rhode Island veterans' and military organizations. As a commemorative measure, it has no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or programs.
Changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter.
Maddy summarySB 149 limits the maximum duration of a state of emergency declared by the governor to 60 days without legislative approval. It allows an initial 30-day emergency period, followed by one 30-day renewal (totaling 60 days) without legislative action. To extend an emergency beyond 60 days, the state legislature must pass a joint resolution. This change directly affects the governor's authority to maintain emergency powers and requires legislative oversight for longer emergencies.
Maddy summarySB 89 adds ethical energy standards to the state's 2021 Act on Climate. It requires the climate council to annually study whether state climate programs shift environmental or labor impacts onto developing countries, including tracking mining conditions for materials like lithium and cobalt. The bill also mandates that solar permit applicants set aside funds for end-of-life panel recycling, requires wind turbine blades to be recycled or disposed of within the state (with limited exceptions), and establishes renewable energy credit programs that exclude electricity from facilities using child labor or certain toxic materials in manufacturing. These provisions directly affect state agencies, energy developers, and utility companies implementing climate policies.
Creates a 13 member commission to evaluate and determine changes needed in Title 3 and Chapter 28.11 of Title 21 of the RIGL, and would report back by January 7, 2026, and would expire on March 7, 2026.
Requires as part of the solar permit application an assessment on carbon-neutral, a solar permit would only be approved if it was carbon neutral based on the assessment.
