Sen. Sue Sosnowski

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 968) expressing condolences to the family of Ronald D. Newman, a former Richmond Town Council member and longtime Rhode Island Department of Agriculture employee. The resolution honors his 29-year career in state agriculture, his service on the Richmond Town Council (including terms as Council President), and his community contributions. It was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on April 10, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Cathleen Newman, and family. As a non-binding expression of sympathy, it does not create policy or affect any laws or constituents.

Distinguishes, in two separate subsections, a first offense for reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent offense for reckless driving, which is a felony.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends Rhode Island's Works Program to remove a waiting period for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) seeking cash assistance benefits. Previously, these individuals faced a delay before accessing benefits, even if otherwise eligible. The bill directly affects lawful permanent residents enrolled in the state's cash assistance program by allowing immediate access to benefits upon meeting other eligibility requirements. This change modifies Section 40-5.2-10(a)(2) of the General Laws, eliminating the prior waiting period requirement for this group. The policy shift focuses solely on updating eligibility rules without altering other program conditions.

Maddy summarySB 551 allows animal control officers to immediately seize animals suspected of neglect or cruelty *before* criminal charges are resolved, requiring a 48-hour notice of a court hearing for permanent rehoming. If a court finds evidence of cruelty or neglect by a preponderance of the evidence, it can terminate the owner’s rights to the animal. Owners must pay reasonable care costs incurred during seizure, and the court may schedule the rehoming hearing before criminal proceedings conclude. The bill directly affects animal owners in cases of neglect, abandonment, or hazardous accumulation (overcrowded conditions), and applies to all animals except those in licensed research facilities or during legal hunting/consumption.

Requires every elementary and secondary school within the State of Rhode Island to provide and maintain clearly visible and easily accessible trauma kits within the school. It also provides immunity if assistance is rendered.

Maddy summarySB 91, the Building Decarbonization Act of 2024, requires owners of large commercial and residential buildings (over 25,000 square feet) to benchmark energy use and meet future emissions standards. It establishes an Environmental Justice Advisory Board to help implement these rules and mandates that new buildings be "electric-ready" to support cleaner energy use. The law applies directly to building owners of qualifying properties, including multi-unit residential complexes and commercial spaces, while excluding public facilities and federal buildings. Key provisions include standardized energy reporting, performance targets, and dedicated funding to support compliance, aiming to reduce building emissions in line with Rhode Island’s 2050 net-zero goal.

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

Provides amendments to procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities by giving the public utilities commission jurisdiction; mandates public hearings, allows intervention by any interested party and provides for appeal.

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.