Requires the executive climate change coordinating council to evaluate and make recommendations for the use of carbon emissions removal technology as an alternative to reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate goals.
Allows for the holder of a manufacturer's license to be able to sell one one-sixth (1/6) barrel key of malt beverage, produced on the premises, per day.
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.
Requires the public utilities commission (PUC) to produce a report by January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter, on the ability for the current electric grid to handle the electrification load need to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes.
Maddy summarySB 385 requires large electric and gas utility companies (with over 100,000 customers) in Rhode Island to provide clearer explanations of bill charges before changing rates. It mandates that companies file detailed plans with the Public Utilities Commission showing how they will manage revenue from rate changes, including annual reconciliation of over- or under-recovered funds. The bill also requires annual infrastructure and safety spending plans, with approval needed for investments in grid reliability and energy efficiency. These changes aim to make billing more transparent for residential customers and ensure rate decisions align with system reliability goals. The law directly affects major utility providers like Rhode Island Energy and sets new requirements for how they structure billing and rate proposals.
Requires the state to implement the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact no later than July 1, 2025. Also restores access to telemedicine for all Rhode Island residents and allows treatment by out-of-state providers who register with DOH.
Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2026 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.
Maddy summarySB 543 prohibits the sale of flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products (vape products with non-tobacco/mint flavors) to consumers in Rhode Island, except at designated vape shops. It defines a "vape shop" as a business exclusively selling nicotine products to adults 21+ and exempts these shops from the flavor ban. The bill also clarifies that cannabis facilities (compassion centers) are exempt from the prohibition, except for tobacco/nicotine products. This legislation is pending Senate Finance Committee action after being referred for study.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 882) congratulating high school students and schools that won Rhode Island's 2025 ProStart® competition. It specifically honors students from William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School (Culinary and Foodservice teams) and Chariho Area Career & Technical Center (Hospitality & Tourism team), who will represent Rhode Island at the national competition. The resolution has no policy impact - it formally expresses Senate support and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the winning schools.
Maddy summarySB 561 presumes property owners or occupants acted in reasonable self-defense if a person committing a violent crime (such as assault or burglary) is injured or killed while on their premises, provided the criminal was lawfully present. It creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent serious harm, and removes the requirement to retreat from such threats. This applies to violent offenses enumerated in the bill, directly affecting property owners defending against violent intruders. The bill does not change criminal liability but shifts the initial legal presumption in favor of the property owner during prosecution.
