Sen. Lou Raptakis

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $30 million ($100,000 per school) from the 2025-2026 state capital budget to fund safety and security upgrades at all Rhode Island public schools. It directly affects over 300 public schools by authorizing funds for specific improvements like access control systems, audio-visual equipment, and communication technology. The resolution requires the state controller to disburse funds upon receipt of verified vouchers, with no additional legislative action needed beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed healthcare facilities to publicly disclose a comprehensive list of standard charges for all items and services they provide. Hospitals must post this information on their websites in a free, searchable digital format that includes specific pricing details such as gross charges, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates for various insurance plans. The law also mandates a separate, consumer-friendly list for shoppable services, ensuring patients can easily access cost data without needing to create accounts or provide personal information. By standardizing how price information is presented and formatted, the legislation aims to increase transparency and allow patients to compare costs across different facilities.

Establishes the Rhode Island lake management program within the department of environmental management to aid with lake and pond management issues relating to the control of aquatic invasive plants.

Allows law enforcement to utilize mufflers, silencers, or other devices for deadening or muffling the sound of a firearm while acting within the scope of their official duties under the supervision of the police chief or colonel of the state police.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows voters who do not belong to a political party to vote in party primaries without automatically becoming affiliated with that party. Under the new rules, unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in either a Republican or Democratic primary, and their status will remain unaffiliated regardless of which primary they choose. The legislation also clarifies that signing nomination papers or helping candidates does not count as party affiliation for voting purposes. Election officials are required to inform voters at polling places that no additional steps are needed to keep their unaffiliated status after voting in a primary.

Extends the "lookback" period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under § 31-27-2 and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests under § 31-27-2.1 from five to ten years.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for drivers who crash into deer and suffer significant vehicle damage. It requires these drivers to report the accident to a conservation officer within 24 hours. If the officer confirms the damage, the driver gets a certificate allowing them to keep and eat the deer, provided it is shared only with their immediate family. The law also gives drivers the first right to claim the animal and directs the Department of Environmental Management to create specific rules for handling these carcasses.

Requires the recording of the bylaws and rules of the association in the land evidence records of the city or town the condominium is located in and require amendments to the original filings to be certified by two (2) members of the executive board.

Deletes subsection (b) of this section which lists the furbearing mammals in the state and requires DEM to promulgate by rule, a list of "furbearers" for this chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the surviving spouse of a deceased Rhode Island National Guard member to transfer their late spouse's special "National Guard" license plates for their own use. The plates can be retained by the spouse for life or until they remarry, provided the vehicle meets standard weight requirements and the member served honorably. To obtain the plates, the administrator of motor vehicles will charge a $20 service fee and a $5 transfer fee, with all money going to the state's general revenue. The legislation also defines who qualifies as an active or retired National Guard member and maintains existing rules allowing these vehicles to bypass certain driving bans during emergencies.