Sen. Sue Sosnowski

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for agreements involving the recovery of unclaimed property, such as forgotten bank accounts or safe deposit box contents. It makes contracts that promise to find this property unenforceable if they are signed within 24 months of the property being reported to the state. For agreements signed after that 24-month window, the law requires that fees be capped at 10% of the property's value, the contract be in writing, and the owner be clearly informed that they can claim the property for free from the general treasurer. Additionally, the agreement must detail the property's value and the owner's final share after any fees are deducted, while also allowing owners to challenge fees they consider excessive. These changes directly affect individuals hired to locate unclaimed assets and the owners of those assets.

Establishes a safe and reasonable regulatory framework for companies and drivers providing non-emergency medical transportation services to a population of vulnerable passengers through coordination with the state's health and human service agencies.

Grants the authority to the town council to enact ordinances establishing procedures and standards related to rider safety and competence training protocols for operators of motorized bicycles, motor scooters and motorized tricycles in New Shoreham.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Department of Administration to study how Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council should be organized. The study will compare the costs and benefits of making the Council a standalone state department versus merging it with the Department of Environmental Management. It will also examine staffing needs, potential overlaps in authority, and any required federal approvals from NOAA. The Department of Administration must complete this analysis and submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate by February 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences for the passing of Paul T. DeRoche, a long-time lobbyist and Senior Vice President for Government Affairs with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. The bill formally acknowledges his thirty-seven-year career representing the business community and his significant contributions to legislative affairs in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Helen Caldwell and her family as a gesture of respect and sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 75th anniversary of NBC 10 WJAR, a television station serving Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts since 1949. The bill honors the station's history of innovation and community service, noting its milestones such as early live broadcasts, weather coverage during the 1978 Blizzard, and numerous journalism awards. It specifically recognizes the legacy of long-serving staff members, including engineer Larry Silva, who is retiring after 57 years. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the station's news director as a formal acknowledgment of its contributions.

Requires that public utilities plan utility work in accordance with the state transportation improvement program schedules when working on state roads.

Requires hosting platforms offering short-term rental of residential property for tourist or transient use to disclose on listings the current, valid registration number and its expiration date.

Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a beverage container deposit recycling program in Rhode Island to reduce litter and increase recycling rates for single-use drinks. Under the new system, consumers would pay a small fee when purchasing eligible containers made of glass, plastic, or metal, which they can redeem at drop-off facilities for a refund. The Department of Environmental Management will oversee the program, while designated producer responsibility organizations will manage compliance for manufacturers and distributors. The law defines specific rules for which products are covered, how producers are identified, and the standards for recycled content in new packaging.