Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.
Adds a rebuttable defense if any person shall die or sustain a personal injury while committing robbery of the owner, lessor, or occupant of a motor vehicle and that the owner or occupant of the vehicle acted in self-defense.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 881) formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state, highlighting their roles in mental health, substance use treatment, advocacy for marginalized communities, and addressing crises like homelessness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter (NASW-RI). It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of social workers' impact on Rhode Island communities.
Requires verification of an applicant's date of birth and either a Rhode Island driver's license number or state identification number on all applications seeking mail ballots and emergency mail ballots.
Requires that only the mail ballot voter/spouse/court appointed guardian/cohabitant/or adult person related to the voter by blood or marriage, be allowed to physically mail the voted mail ballot.
Maddy summarySB 90 legalizes the sale of raw milk within Rhode Island by amending the Milk Sanitation Code to remove the requirement that all milk must be pasteurized before sale. This directly affects dairy producers who can now sell raw milk directly to consumers, and consumers who gain access to raw milk products. The bill maintains existing safety standards, such as requiring milk to come from healthy animals and be produced under sanitary conditions, but explicitly allows raw milk sales (with an exception for goat milk requiring a physician's written prescription). It does not change other regulations like bacterial testing requirements for milk plants or labeling rules.
Maddy summarySB 548 requires municipalities to license existing unlicensed adult sex venues, creating a new "Class S" license for facilities allowing patrons to bring or consume alcohol on-site. This license mandates annual fees ($100-$2,000), restricts operating hours (12 p.m.-2 a.m., no alcohol after 1 a.m.), and prohibits dances without additional permits. The bill also directs the Department of Health to establish health and safety standards by 2026, including STI prevention measures (free condoms/lubricant if intercourse occurs), signage for health services, and protocols to ensure consent and reduce trafficking risks. It directly affects current adult sex venues operating without licenses, requiring them to comply with new licensing rules and health regulations to continue operating.
Requires superior court clerk to automatically seal cases/individual counts of a criminal complaint/indictment that were dismissed, upon request of the defendant and serve it upon bureau of criminal identification, police department and counsel of record.
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.
Extends the repayment period for toll violations, and requires the RI transit and bridge authority to notify frequent violators by certified mail that their driver's license may be in jeopardy for failure to pay toll violations.
