Sen. Elaine Morgan

Maddy summarySB 2521 requires Rhode Island electricity providers (obligated entities) to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in their retail electricity sales, starting at 3% in 2007 and rising to 9.5% by 2032, with the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2033. The bill mandates that providers meet these targets for each electricity product sold to end-use customers, excluding voluntary renewable energy purchases by customers from counting toward the requirement (except in specific municipal aggregation plans). Compliance can be achieved by purchasing renewable energy credits (NE-GIS certificates) or making payments to a renewable energy development fund. The bill also directs the energy commission to assess in 2024 whether voluntary renewable purchases should be allowed to count toward the annual targets.

Requires the PUC to produce yearly reports beginning on January 1, 2027 on the ability of the current electric grid to handle electrification loads needed to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes within the state.

Requires the PUC to make public notification of any changes in eligibility or production of energy, and would direct the commission to promulgate rules and regulations to allow and facilitate the prompt public disclosure of this information.

Maddy summarySB 2356 transfers management of the Big River Reservoir from the Water Resources Board to Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Effective July 1, 2026, DEM will assume responsibility for all land use planning and rule-making related to the reservoir, while existing management rules remain in effect until DEM establishes new regulations. This bill directly affects DEM (which gains new administrative authority) and the Water Resources Board (which loses this specific responsibility). The key mechanism is the formal transfer of management duties, streamlining oversight under DEM’s existing environmental authority without altering the reservoir’s legal status or public access.

Maddy summarySB 2155 would allow Rhode Island residents aged 21 or older to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state-issued permit. Currently, Rhode Island law requires a permit for concealed carry, so this bill would eliminate that requirement. The key provision removes the permit mandate for eligible adults, directly affecting residents who wish to carry concealed handguns in public. This is a substantive policy change to the state's weapons regulations.

Allows attorney general to enter into agreements with other states to recognize a concealed handgun permit as valid and authorizes RI to recognize and honor a concealed weapon permit from out of state with certain requirements.

Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.

Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.

Permits possession or use of device that muffles sound on any firearm longer than 17” in length and permits the use of such a device by any person while hunting provided that they have a valid hunting license.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates students and instructors from the Warwick Area and Chariho Career and Technical Centers for winning the 2026 Rhode Island ProStart High School Competition. It recognizes the achievements of the top teams in culinary arts, foodservice management, and hospitality tourism, which will now advance to represent the state at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the two winning schools as a formal acknowledgment of their success.