Sen. Sue Sosnowski

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 161), not a substantive bill. It formally celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 Auxiliary in Rhode Island. The resolution acknowledges the Auxiliary's founding in 1925 and its decades of community service, fundraising, and support for veterans. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Auxiliary group. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 163) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the family of Anthony V. Arico following his passing. It recognizes his 30-year career as Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, his military service, and his decades of community and political involvement in Barrington. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Joan G. Arico. As a symbolic gesture of respect, it has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Charlene C. Connors, a former Cumberland elementary school teacher and community member. It formally conveys the Senate's "deepest sympathy" to her family, including her son, Senator Daniel Connors, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to them. The resolution has no policy impact or financial provisions - it serves solely as a formal expression of respect for her life and legacy.

Removes the exemption from the state hotel tax for residences rented in their entirety on a hosting platform on or after January 1, 2026, for a period of thirty (30) nights or less.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Martha Ball for her 50 years of public service to the Town of New Shoreham, including roles as Town Council member, Treasurer, and committee leader. It formally thanks her for her contributions to local governance, history, and community projects, and directs the Secretary of State to send her a certified copy. The resolution has no policy impact or financial effect - it is solely a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 5 is a ceremonial resolution extending condolences to the family of Walter J. Gray, a former Rhode Island State Senator and community leader, following his passing. It formally recognizes his 70-year marriage, journalism career, public service (including roles as press secretary, URI administrator, and South Kingstown Town Council member), and community contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Mary Gray, and family. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of family court magistrates to hear contested divorce cases, which directly impacts individuals navigating divorce proceedings in family court. Previously, these contested matters were typically handled by judges, but the legislation now allows magistrates to preside over them as well. The change aims to increase judicial capacity within the family court system by broadening the types of cases magistrates can manage. Once enacted, the law takes effect immediately without requiring the governor's signature.

Establishes the Rhode Island lake management program within the department of environmental management to aid with lake and pond management issues relating to the control of aquatic invasive plants.

Enacts the Comprehensive PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new framework in Rhode Island to promote the adoption and integration of energy storage systems into the electric grid. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to create specific tariffs and interconnection rules by May 2025 that recognize the unique value of storing energy for later use. Additionally, the legislation mandates periodic assessments every three years to determine if storage projects can provide net benefits to ratepayers, with larger utility companies required to conduct competitive procurements if such needs are identified. By defining energy storage technologies and setting clear timelines for regulatory action, the bill aims to lower costs and improve grid reliability without replacing existing infrastructure.