Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySB 2290 requires courts to release most people arrested for misdemeanors without financial conditions (like cash bail), unless the case involves domestic violence or the court finds a risk the person will skip court or threaten witnesses. It mandates the Department of Corrections to gather background information - including employment, community ties, and criminal history - to help courts decide on non-financial release conditions. Courts may then impose conditions like regular check-ins or community supervision to ensure court appearances and public safety. The bill applies only to misdemeanor cases and does not affect felony charges or existing procedures for those exceptions.

Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.

Maddy summarySB 2794 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act in Rhode Island to create a new system for recycling beverage containers. The bill defines key terms such as "covered beverage container," "producer," and "consumer" to clarify who is responsible for recycling efforts and which products are included in the program. It sets up a refund program where consumers can return empty containers at designated sites to receive refunds, with provisions for both full-service redemption sites and express redemption sites that use virtual accounts. The legislation also outlines rules for fraud prevention, requires independent audits, and includes definitions for environmental justice areas and de minimis exemptions for small businesses.

Allows local government recipients of grant funds from the Rhode Island infrastructure bank's OSCAR fund and resilient Rhode Island infrastructure fund to use monies for insurability planning.

Commencing July 1, 2026, this act eliminates the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit corporations and non-licensed entities from owning medical practices or controlling clinical decisions. It requires doctors licensed in Rhode Island to hold majority ownership (shares and board control) in medical practices, while banning management companies from interfering with clinical judgment or restricting doctors’ non-compete agreements. The law also prohibits management organizations from advertising clinics under their own names or entering contracts that would let them dictate staffing, billing, or patient care decisions. These provisions directly affect medical practices using management services organizations and doctors working within them. The bill has been referred to committee but is currently held for further study.

Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

Maddy summarySB 2135 repeals a law that previously prevented people from gaining legal rights to footways (sidewalks or pedestrian paths) through long-term, continuous use without permission. This change would allow property owners or neighbors to potentially claim footway access rights by meeting standard adverse possession requirements, removing the prior exception for carriage access. The bill directly affects property owners involved in disputes over sidewalk access or easements, enabling new legal pathways for resolving such claims.