Sen. Sam Bell

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 370) formally declares February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to the state's social, economic, and cultural development, referencing Rhode Island's role in Black history and the 2025 national theme focused on "African Americans and Labor." The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups; it is a symbolic gesture of acknowledgment. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes September as Substance Use Recovery Awareness Month in Rhode Island and urges state agencies, healthcare providers, educators, employers, and media to replace stigmatizing terms (like "addict" or "clean") with respectful, person-first language (e.g., "person with a substance use disorder"). It directs state entities to review all official materials for non-stigmatizing language and requires future substance use policies to be developed with input from the statewide recovery advocacy workgroup. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on changing communication practices to reduce stigma and support recovery. It was passed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 230 allows school administrators in Rhode Island to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a safety threat to others, not just for disruptive behavior. For students in preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional to ensure safety concerns cannot be addressed through support. The bill also mandates schools to annually review discipline data for racial, ethnic, or disability disparities and submit public reports on disciplinary actions, including use of force and referrals to law enforcement. These changes aim to clarify suspension criteria while increasing transparency around school discipline practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 252) authorizes a $2,000,000 appropriation from the state treasury to fund the Elisha Project for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Elisha Project, a Pawtucket-based nonprofit, uses these funds to combat food insecurity across Rhode Island, particularly in the Blackstone Valley, by providing meals and support services. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation, directly supporting the organization’s existing operations serving families, children, veterans, and communities. It is a procedural funding measure with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 224) designates February 11, 2025, as "The 2nd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War. It directly recognizes the contributions of these soldiers - many formerly enslaved - who fought for American independence and their valor at the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with state officials, historical organizations, and the Newport County NAACP to promote public awareness of this history. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy but formally acknowledges a historical contribution.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences on the passing of Rufina Delizo Rice, wife of former Rhode Island Representative Michael Rice. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Michael Rice and his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond honoring her life and legacy. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution, not a law. It formally designates February 7-14, 2025, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects in infants, recognizing they affect thousands of babies annually and require early medical intervention. It urges all Rhode Island residents to observe the week and acknowledges the work of medical professionals in this field. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups beyond encouraging community awareness.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 228) expressing condolences to the Munson family following the passing of Hilding T. Munson. It formally recognizes his 63-year service with the Snug Harbor Volunteer Fire Department, his 35-year career as a Rhode Island State Sheriff, and his community involvement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Judith A. Munson and her family. As a non-binding expression of sympathy, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences for Marie T. Nesselbush, a longtime Steere House resident and beloved community member. The resolution formally conveys the Senate's deepest sympathy for her passing and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her daughter, Donna Nesselbush, and family. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a commemorative gesture honoring her life and legacy.