Sen. Victoria Gu

Maddy summarySR 2009 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate expressing condolences to the family of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, mother of three, and poet, following her death. The resolution urges the FBI to conduct a full investigation into her passing and extends sympathy to all who mourn her loss. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes her life and calls for transparency in the circumstances of her death. The resolution was unanimously approved by the Senate on January 8, 2026.

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes "Main Street Rhode Island," a statewide program managed by Grow Smart RI to revitalize commercial districts like downtowns, retail corridors, and neighborhood centers. It authorizes $500,000 in state funding to implement the proven "Main Street Four Points Approach," including training, networking, technical assistance, and resources for local communities. The program will operate for three years under the Commerce Corporation’s oversight, with Grow Smart RI handling coordination and annual reporting on goals like hiring a coordinator and hosting educational events. It directly affects Rhode Island’s municipalities and business districts seeking to boost economic activity, tourism, and community vitality through a centralized, state-supported initiative.

Maddy summarySB 238, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing or restricting materials based on the creator's identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) or viewpoint. It defines censorship narrowly, excluding only obscene material (per legal standards) or content deemed developmentally inappropriate by recognized authorities like the ALA. The law requires libraries to adopt policies ensuring challenged materials remain available during review, establish formal reconsideration processes with 30-day timelines, and mandate written justifications for removals. These rules apply directly to public library boards, school committees, and librarians managing collections across the state.

Provides standards for developing, implementing, and maintaining reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

This act would repeal the exemption granted to pari mutual facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement contained in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act.

Grants Rhode Island's family court jurisdiction to make findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors under twenty-one (21) years.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.

Provides extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, recycling of beverage containers, and provides general provisions for oversight of single-stage producer organizations.