Sen. Elaine Morgan

Maddy summarySB 2483, the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," grants healthcare providers (like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists), healthcare institutions (hospitals, clinics), and healthcare payers (insurance companies, health plans) the right to refuse specific medical services or procedures that conflict with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. The bill protects these entities from civil, criminal, or administrative liability and prohibits discrimination - including termination, loss of licensure, or denial of contracts - when they decline to participate in or pay for services based on conscience. It explicitly states this right applies only to specific services violating conscience, not to refusing all care, and excludes insurance negotiations from discrimination claims. The bill does not require providers to offer alternative care for services they refuse.

Maddy summarySB 2456, the Consumer Protection from Indemnified (Liability-Free) Products Act, prohibits government agencies, employers, and private businesses from requiring consumers to accept liability-free products if refusing would cause loss of employment, job opportunities, promotions, or access to education. Consumers can opt out of such products by submitting written notice without needing to explain their choice, and they cannot face harassment, job loss, or other penalties for declining. The law also voids any contract terms attempting to waive these rights and directs the state’s Consumer Protection Unit to enforce the law by pursuing retaliation cases.

Enables parents to review public school learning materials/object if the parent decides that the material is harmful. Also a parent may withdraw their student from the activity or class where the material is used and request an alternative assignment.

Defines “anti-Semitism” for the state human affairs commission to use while investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination and for the commission against prejudice and bias to use in defining hate crimes.

Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $30.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.

Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

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.

Requires healthcare facilities that perform abortions meet the license requirements of similar healthcare facilities and allows the department of health to conduct unannounced inspections.

Maddy summarySB 2220, the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act, prohibits all atmospheric experiments that release pollutants, including cloud seeding, solar radiation modification (SRM), and other weather-altering activities. It directly affects any entity conducting such experiments - such as government agencies, corporations, NGOs, or AI systems - by banning the release of pollutants like PFAS "forever chemicals" and chaff. The bill establishes a regulatory framework under Rhode Island’s Health and Safety code to prevent atmospheric pollution, citing threats to public health, drought, and wildfire risks. This law specifically targets intentional atmospheric interventions involving aerosols, chemicals, or electromagnetic radiation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2188) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Serra family following the passing of Richard Serra, a former Charlestown Town Council member and local businessman. It formally honors his service, family, and community contributions as documented in the resolution's preamble. The Senate passed the resolution on January 20, 2026, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Camelia Serra, and family. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or legislative effect.