Sen. Victoria Gu

Maddy summarySB 520 simplifies the process for voters who are indefinitely confined due to illness or disability, or long-term nursing home residents, to automatically receive mail ballots for every election. It allows these voters to apply by signing an affidavit (submitted online via a secretary of state portal or by mail), with the secretary of state maintaining a central list of eligible voters in the voter registration system. Voters must notify local officials if they no longer qualify, leading to removal from the list within five days. The bill also includes a temporary provision (expiring December 2025) enabling eligible disabled voters to return mail ballots electronically, meeting federal accessibility standards.

Maddy summarySB 626 requires Rhode Island municipalities to maintain and update a current list of rights-of-way (access paths) to tidal areas designated by the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This applies directly to all cities and towns in the state, mandating they keep these records accurate and accessible. The bill's key mechanism is a new administrative duty for local governments to document and regularly revise these tidal access points. It does not alter CRMC's existing planning or management powers but adds a specific local record-keeping requirement. The law focuses on improving transparency and coordination for coastal resource management.

Maddy summarySB 601 increases penalties for public utilities and carriers that violate duties outlined in state law. It raises fines for violations from $200-$1,000 to $200-$5,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate violation. The bill also imposes misdemeanor penalties of $100-$1,000 on utility officers or agents who violate rules or fail to comply with regulatory orders. This directly affects public utilities (like gas, water, or electric providers) and their employees responsible for adhering to regulatory requirements.

Creates a process for licensure/oversight by DBR over the practices/procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and regulation of fees.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1164), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Dr. Rosemary Costigan on her appointment as the sixth President of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), noting she is the first alumna and second woman to hold this role. The resolution highlights her career path as a CCRI nursing graduate, faculty member, and interim president, including her leadership during a period of institutional growth. It contains no policy changes, funding, or obligations - it is purely an honorary gesture to recognize her appointment and achievements. The Senate passed it on June 21, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Costigan.

Requires at fault insurance companies to provide to any claimant whose vehicle is damaged in an accident, to provide a vehicle that is comparable to the claimant’s vehicle and that rental charges shall be based on local retail prices.

Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases or shell casings seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing, also would require 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN

Maddy summarySB 840 restores the corporate charter of Leo’s Service Center, Inc. (incorporated October 6, 1995) if the company meets specific requirements by December 31, 2025. To regain its charter, the business must file all overdue tax returns, pay all outstanding state taxes and fees, and submit required documents to the secretary of state. The bill vacates the prior revocation of its charter upon successful compliance, reinstating all corporate privileges and obligations as if the revocation never occurred. This is a procedural bill directly affecting Leo’s Service Center, Inc., with no new policy changes beyond restoring the corporation’s status.

Restructures the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increases its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocates the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

Provides a duty upon midwives, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to obtain a blood specimen of pregnant women within thirty (30) days after the first professional visit.