Sen. Stefano Famiglietti

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the state treasury for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Rhode Island Food Bank. It directly supports the Food Bank’s 137 member agencies across Rhode Island, which serve communities facing heightened food insecurity. The resolution responds to rising demand (over 102,000 people using pantries in November 2025) and the loss of $9.5 million in federal SNAP benefits affecting up to 32,000 residents. The funds will be paid via state vouchers to the Food Bank as needed, supplementing reduced federal support. This is a funding measure, not a new policy.

Requires the PUC to make public notification of any changes in eligibility or production of energy, and would direct the commission to promulgate rules and regulations to allow and facilitate the prompt public disclosure of this information.

Recognizes that municipal employees have the opportunity to utilize binding arbitration and establishes new factors for the arbitrators to consider. These factors include comparisons of wages/hourly conditions of employment in similarly skilled jobs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Recognition Day" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure directly affects the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association by formally acknowledging its contributions to the state's manufacturing sector. Upon passage, the Secretary of State must transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the association.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" to recognize the institution's contributions to the state's education and economy. The measure directly affects the Community College of Rhode Island by honoring its role in workforce development and student success. It requires the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college's president as a formal acknowledgment. The text highlights the college's impact on job creation and economic growth but does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals to sue nursing homes directly if those facilities violate patient rights laws, in addition to existing legal remedies. It establishes a specific legal cause of action that lets plaintiffs recover actual and punitive damages, along with court costs and attorney fees, for any such violations. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the state Department of Health to file lawsuits on behalf of the state to enforce these patient rights and related regulations.

Maddy summarySB 3194 modifies the state's mandatory arbitration rules for motor vehicle liability claims by raising the minimum claim threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. This change directly affects individuals filing insurance claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death, requiring only those with damages between $50,000 and $100,000 to submit their cases to arbitration. The bill maintains existing procedures where selected arbitrators conduct informal hearings, share costs between parties, and issue binding decisions that can be challenged within 60 days by reserving the right to a jury trial. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance policyholders to agree in writing to these arbitration provisions when applying for or renewing driver's licenses or registering vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws governing civil lawsuits involving personal injuries, death, or property damage. It updates the rules for determining fault by allowing injured parties to recover damages even if they knew about a specific risk or danger. However, the amount of money awarded will be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to the injured person. The changes apply to all future cases filed under these statutes once the legislation is enacted.

Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have settled a legal claim to send their signed release documents electronically to the party responsible for payment or their attorney. It applies to insurance companies, adjusting firms, and other entities obligated to pay settlement amounts. If a payment is not made within 30 days of receiving the electronic release, the law creates a presumption of willful disregard and permits the claimant to seek punitive damages and 12% annual interest. Additionally, any lawsuit filed under this provision would receive priority scheduling on the court's trial calendar.