Sen. Elaine Morgan

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 The repealed law mandated the council to produce regular emission reduction plans, address environmental justice, and create equitable transition programs for workers in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.

Provides that any school teaching sexual education to students shall provide the sexual education curriculum to every parent or guardian of a student, and the parent or legal guardian shall consent to the teaching of such sexual education curriculum.

Maddy summarySB 233 repeals Rhode Island's requirement for statewide academic standards in core subjects (math, English, science, history, etc.) and the associated curriculum frameworks for all public schools. This bill directly affects public schools across Rhode Island by removing mandated state-level standards and frameworks that previously guided curriculum development. The key mechanism is the repeal of specific sections of law (16-22-30 through 16-22-33) that established these standards, shifting authority away from state education requirements.

Maddy summarySB 304 requires public schools and colleges to designate athletic teams based solely on biological sex at birth (not gender identity). It prohibits transgender girls from competing on girls' teams and mandates verification of biological sex through medical documentation of anatomy, testosterone levels, and genetics. The bill protects institutions maintaining sex-segregated teams from legal challenges and allows students to sue if denied athletic opportunities under this policy. It directly affects transgender female athletes in public education sports programs.

Prohibits the state, municipalities, or courts from attempting to collect any motor vehicle violation fines or costs, after more than seven (7) years of the fine becoming final.

Establishes a new program where the per pupil funding, calculated annually by RIDE, would be transferred into a newly created educational funding account run by the children's scholarship fund to pay for educational expenses.

Maddy summarySB 284, the "Parents' Bill of Rights Act," establishes specific parental rights regarding minor children's health, education, and welfare in Rhode Island. It requires schools to notify parents about their child's health and well-being, mandates written parental consent for most medical procedures (excluding abortions and certain lab services), and guarantees parents access to school and medical records. The bill explicitly prohibits schools and healthcare providers from infringing on these rights without demonstrating a compelling state interest and ensures parents can direct their child's education and moral upbringing. Violations by healthcare providers could result in misdemeanor charges or fines up to $1,000 per offense, as outlined in the bill's enforcement provisions.

Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.

Provides protections for students and parents against discrimination on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in schools. Allows students to pray or engage in religious activities before, during or after school.

Maddy summarySB 264, the "Consumer Protection from Indemnified (Liability-Free) Products Act," prohibits government agencies, employers (with 4+ employees), and educational institutions from requiring consumers to accept liability-free products if declining them could result in losing a job, employment opportunity, promotion, or access to education. The law gives consumers (or their guardians) the right to "opt out" in writing without needing to explain their decision, and it bans retaliation like harassment, job loss, or denial of education for refusing such products. Employers or institutions cannot threaten these consequences for a consumer’s refusal, and any contract terms trying to waive these rights are void. The bill applies to all consumers in transactions primarily for personal, family, or household use.