Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySB 2152 requires all public bodies (such as city councils, school boards, and county commissions) to provide translation services for every open meeting they hold. This bill directly affects non-English speaking residents who attend or wish to participate in these public proceedings. The key provision mandates that translation services must be offered for all meetings, not just specific ones, to ensure accessibility. The bill was introduced on January 16, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.

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 The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on January 13, 2026, at the sponsor’s request.

Extends reporting and expiration dates of commission studying RI's Healthcare Workforce Relating to Educating and Retaining Primary Care Physicians and a Medical School at URI from January 2, 2026, to March 1, 2026, and expires on June 30, 2026.

Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Requires the school board or committees of cities and towns to establish a safety and behavioral health committee and also lays out the representation requirements committee responsibilities to ensure a stable learning environment for all students.

Maddy summarySB 238, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing or restricting materials based on the creator's identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) or viewpoint. It defines censorship narrowly, excluding only obscene material (per legal standards) or content deemed developmentally inappropriate by recognized authorities like the ALA. The law requires libraries to adopt policies ensuring challenged materials remain available during review, establish formal reconsideration processes with 30-day timelines, and mandate written justifications for removals. These rules apply directly to public library boards, school committees, and librarians managing collections across the state.

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 712 requires the New Shoreham Water District to limit its water service exclusively to customers residing within its officially defined service area, rather than the entire municipal land area. This provision, added to water resources law, gives the district's board of commissioners the authority to enforce this boundary restriction. The bill directly affects New Shoreham's water utility operations and its customers within the designated zone. It took effect immediately on July 1, 2025, without requiring gubernatorial action.

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.