Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summarySB 2677 expands the ability of individuals to have their criminal records expunged by allowing multiple non-violent felony convictions to be cleared ten years after the sentence is completed. The bill also permits the expungement of multiple misdemeanor convictions after five years and includes provisions for deferred sentences and decriminalized offenses. Eligible applicants must demonstrate good moral character, show no new arrests or convictions in the relevant time period, and have paid all associated court fees and fines. Courts retain the discretion to grant or deny these motions based on whether the applicant's rehabilitation aligns with the public interest.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates Jim Hoyt, the long-time CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, for receiving the 2024 Masters and Mentors Award from the Boys & Girls Club of America. The bill recognizes his nearly five decades of service and leadership, highlighting his dedication to mentoring youth and fostering a supportive environment for thousands of young people. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Mr. Hoyt as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to the community.

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the death of Jason Alan Golditch, a long-time employee of the Rhode Island General Assembly's Office of Capitol Television. The document honors his thirty-six-year career and personal life, noting his roles as a producer, journalist, and devoted family man. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Golditch's wife, Lynda, and his family.

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Changes the name of The College Crusade Scholarship to the Onward We Learn Scholarship and provide that those scholarships would not be considered federal or financial aid with regard to the Promise Scholarship or Hope Scholarship Pilot Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a beverage container deposit recycling program in Rhode Island to reduce litter and increase recycling rates for single-use drinks. Under the new system, consumers would pay a small fee when purchasing eligible containers made of glass, plastic, or metal, which they can redeem at drop-off facilities for a refund. The Department of Environmental Management will oversee the program, while designated producer responsibility organizations will manage compliance for manufacturers and distributors. The law defines specific rules for which products are covered, how producers are identified, and the standards for recycled content in new packaging.

Requires the dept of behavioral healthcare/developmental disabilities/hospitals to coordinate with the DOH to propose revisions to chapter 1.10 and 10.1 of title 23, including updates and revisions of statutory language and evidence-based best practices.

Maddy summarySB 2343 proposes to change how hotel taxes are distributed within Rhode Island's South County regional tourism district. The bill would redirect a portion of these funds away from the regional tourism district and toward the local cities and towns where the hotels are physically located. Additionally, it adjusts the specific percentages allocated to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors' Bureau. This legislation directly affects hotel owners, local municipalities, and tourism organizations by altering the flow of tax revenue collected from lodging businesses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2024 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate progress made toward equality. The bill acknowledges ongoing challenges faced by these groups, including discrimination and disparities in health and housing, while highlighting local events like the Rhode Island PrideFest. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to state and federal officials, as well as various LGBTQIA+ organizations, to mark the occasion.