Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summarySB 2222 establishes a fee on fossil fuel sellers (like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas companies) operating in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund the "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund," which will support clean energy programs, energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households and small businesses, and worker transition initiatives for jobs in low-carbon industries. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, and help Rhode Island meet its 2035 emissions goals. This is a proposed legislative measure introduced in January 2026 and not yet enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2229 requires all Rhode Island school buildings to meet "zero energy capable" standards by December 31, 2037, meaning they must generate as much renewable energy as they consume annually. The Department of Education must develop regulations by June 30, 2027, to implement these standards, which align with the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) guidelines. The bill ensures local school districts can access state/federal funding for energy projects without penalties or reduced housing aid, and provides guidance for using federal tax incentives for solar installations. This applies to all new school construction and major renovations, directly affecting public schools across Rhode Island.

Requires the department of human services to provide childcare assistance to families, including those served through DCYF, who meet the requirements of a protective services category as defined in CFR 98.20 (a)(3)(ii).

Maddy summaryThis resolution appropriates $2,000,000 from the state treasury for the Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit serving food-insecure families across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley. The funding supports the organization's existing operations, including providing meals and necessities to vulnerable communities, with specific programs for children, veterans, and families. The Elisha Project has previously served over 20 million meals, and this resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse the funds upon verified requests. It directly affects the Elisha Project's ability to expand services as food insecurity needs grow, without creating new policy or altering existing programs.

Maddy summarySB 2081 creates a state-funded tuition assistance program for Rhode Island students pursuing teaching careers in critical shortage fields, specifically science and mathematics for grades 7-12. It provides financial support covering tuition and certain non-tuition costs (like transportation or childcare) at Rhode Island colleges, after other financial aid is applied. To qualify, students must enroll in a teaching program in these fields and agree to complete three years of full-time teaching in Rhode Island public or private schools. If recipients don't finish their degree or fulfill the teaching requirement, the assistance converts to a repayable loan.

Maddy summarySB 2014 requires Rhode Island internet service providers (ISPs) to regularly submit detailed data about broadband speeds, technology types, and coverage areas to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. This data will be used to create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map identifying underserved or unserved communities. The map aims to guide infrastructure investments, support policy decisions, and help providers expand services in areas with limited access. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on January 13, 2026, at the sponsor’s request.

Maddy summarySR 2009 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate expressing condolences to the family of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, mother of three, and poet, following her death. The resolution urges the FBI to conduct a full investigation into her passing and extends sympathy to all who mourn her loss. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes her life and calls for transparency in the circumstances of her death. The resolution was unanimously approved by the Senate on January 8, 2026.

This pilot program would create a $3,000 trust for each Rhode Island child ages zero to one year born to a family enrolled in the Rhode Island Works Program (“RI Works”) during the preceding calendar year.

This act would repeal the exemption granted to pari mutual facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement contained in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act.

Maddy summarySB 887 ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and federally funded activities, even if federal law changes. It requires the state to maintain all existing disability protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if that federal law is repealed or invalidated by a court or federal action. The law automatically reverts to the state’s prior legal standards for disability rights as of the day before any federal change takes effect. This directly affects all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state funding or operating under state regulation.