Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySR 327 is a proposed constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new section to Rhode Island's Constitution, granting all residents a fundamental right to clean air, water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preserved natural environments. It requires the state to act as a trustee for natural resources, protecting these rights for both current and future generations without discrimination. If approved by voters, this amendment would become effective January 1, 2027, and would be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election. The bill passed the Senate on June 3, 2025, and now awaits voter approval.

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.

Establishes a statewide standalone children's mobile response and stabilization services to address the behavioral health needs of children and youth ages 2 to 21. DCYF to oversee implementation of the program.

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

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).

Mandates public schools (K-12) have one full-time certified social worker for every 250 students and allocates $2 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for school districts and municipalities to hire additional social workers.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island executive office of health and human services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.

Provides $4,000,000 to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, school vacation, summer learning and workforce development programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12).

Maddy summarySB 104 establishes a permanent Compost Fund funded by a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal in Rhode Island. This surcharge, collected quarterly from waste haulers and landfill operators, will support grants for projects that reduce landfill use - such as composting programs, food rescue initiatives, and shell recovery. The bill directly affects waste disposal companies (who pay the surcharge) and will fund communities and organizations developing composting infrastructure, organic waste diversion, and soil health projects. It aims to address Rhode Island's landfill capacity concerns (projected to fill by 2043) while supporting climate and environmental goals outlined in the state's 2021 Climate Act.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.