Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summarySB 842 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees (fees between banks for card transactions) on the tax or gratuity portion of a customer's payment. It directly affects merchants who process credit/debit card payments, requiring them to report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction authorization or settlement to avoid these fees. If merchants don’t report upfront, they can submit documentation within 180 days to receive refunds for improperly charged fees. Violations carry $1,000 penalties per transaction and require fee refunds to merchants. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 881) formally designates March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the contributions of social workers across the state, highlighting their roles in mental health, substance use treatment, advocacy for marginalized communities, and addressing crises like homelessness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter (NASW-RI). It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of social workers' impact on Rhode Island communities.

Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators and establish a presumption of personal recognizance unless the new alleged offense is a crime of violence as defined in the act.

Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.

Maddy summarySR 820 proposes a constitutional amendment to change voting eligibility rules in Rhode Island. It would remove the current 30-day state and local residency requirement for voting, instead requiring voters to be registered by election day. The amendment also maintains a 30-day residency requirement for candidates seeking office. This change would directly affect all eligible voters and candidates for state offices in Rhode Island, altering how residency and registration are handled under the state constitution.

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Maddy summarySB 312 would rename the state holiday observed on the second Monday of August from "Victory Day" to "Peace and Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island law. The bill directly affects state employees and official state communications, as it amends the statutory list of state holidays in the General Laws. Key provisions include replacing the current holiday name in Section 25-1-1 and repealing a prior provision (Section 25-1-1.3) that prohibited using other names for the holiday. This change is purely procedural, altering the official designation without creating new policies or funding.

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

Prohibits force-feeding to create a force-fed poultry product or the hiring of another to engage in force-feeding of a poultry product. Violations would be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per violation.