Sen. Sam Bell

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Social Work Licensure Compact that allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple member states with a single license. It creates a commission to manage the system, which includes sharing information about licenses and disciplinary actions between states. The law aims to improve public access to services, reduce the need for multiple licenses, and support military families by enabling easier interstate practice. Additionally, the compact permits the use of telehealth to expand service availability while maintaining each state's authority to protect public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to require landlords to provide longer written notice before increasing rent for most tenants. Under the new rules, landlords must now give at least 60 days' notice for general rent increases, up from the previous 30 days. The law also mandates an even longer notice period of 120 days for tenants who are 62 years of age or older. These changes apply to residential properties but exclude independent living, assisted living, and congregate care facilities.

Authorizes Providence to issue not more than $400,000,000 general obligation bonds & notes to finance the construction, related demolition, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools throughout the city.

Outlines the process for a person petitioning to change their name in the probate court in the town or city where they reside. It also makes the statute regarding name change gender neutral.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences for the passing of Paul T. DeRoche, a long-time lobbyist and Senior Vice President for Government Affairs with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. The bill formally acknowledges his thirty-seven-year career representing the business community and his significant contributions to legislative affairs in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Helen Caldwell and her family as a gesture of respect and sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 75th anniversary of NBC 10 WJAR, a television station serving Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts since 1949. The bill honors the station's history of innovation and community service, noting its milestones such as early live broadcasts, weather coverage during the 1978 Blizzard, and numerous journalism awards. It specifically recognizes the legacy of long-serving staff members, including engineer Larry Silva, who is retiring after 57 years. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the station's news director as a formal acknowledgment of its contributions.

Maddy summarySB 2677 expands the ability of individuals to have their criminal records expunged by allowing multiple non-violent felony convictions to be cleared ten years after the sentence is completed. The bill also permits the expungement of multiple misdemeanor convictions after five years and includes provisions for deferred sentences and decriminalized offenses. Eligible applicants must demonstrate good moral character, show no new arrests or convictions in the relevant time period, and have paid all associated court fees and fines. Courts retain the discretion to grant or deny these motions based on whether the applicant's rehabilitation aligns with the public interest.

Exempts schools or school districts subject to an intervention for failing schools from the withholding of aid provisions for infractions related to nonpayment of tuition owed by one community to another.

Exempts the property located at 94 Carpenter Street in Providence from the general law prohibiting liquor licenses within a certain proximity to schools or churches.

Reduces the time, from three (3) years to one year, required for a nonimmigrant foreign national student, who has resided in Rhode Island, to be eligible to pay the same in-state tuition as any other Rhode Island student.