Sen. Victoria Gu

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Maddy summarySB 2171 changes how government job classifications are reviewed for promotions. It removes "supervising other employees" as a factor considered when determining eligibility for position upgrades under the merit system. This directly affects public employees whose job classifications are assessed through the OPA desk audit process. The bill amends existing rules to focus classification decisions on other criteria, not supervisory responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer screening and education. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology. The resolution recognizes the state's commitment to improving access to colorectal cancer screenings and honors past advocacy efforts in the area.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The bill formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which includes providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Vanessa Volz, the CEO of Sojourner House, as an official acknowledgment of their work. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the organization's impact on survivor support across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow restaurants and other food service establishments in Rhode Island to accept reusable containers brought by customers for filling or refilling with takeout food and drinks. The legislation defines consumer-provided containers as durable, cleanable receptacles that are structurally sound and free from contamination, and it requires the Department of Health to update food safety rules by July 2027 to permit this practice. The bill also mandates that the department create and publish guidance materials for businesses on inspecting containers, preventing cross-contamination, and following safe operational procedures. Importantly, the law does not require establishments to accept or fill customer-provided containers, leaving that decision to individual businesses.

Provides that stores offering food product discounts must provide the same discounts to in-store customers that are offered to customers using electronic digital coupons.

Maddy summarySB 2642 would establish new regulations to prevent grocery stores in Rhode Island from using coercive tactics that pressure consumers into unwanted purchases or fees, such as requiring additional items to access discounts. The bill creates a dedicated legal framework within commercial law to specifically prohibit these unfair practices. This directly affects all grocery stores operating in Rhode Island and protects consumers from being subjected to such tactics. The policy change focuses on defining and banning these specific coercive behaviors through enforceable rules.

Merges the coastal resources management council with the department of environmental management and creates the bureau of coastal resources management within the department of environmental management.

Defines a seasonably-habitable non-owner occupied residence, which is not the primary residence of the taxpayer, and which would be exempt from the non-owner occupied property tax.

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishments when new construction or renovations are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.