Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summarySB 2215 authorizes school administrators to issue out-of-school suspensions for students in grades 6 and above if they pose a threat to the safety of others, not just if they are disruptive. For preschool through fifth grade, suspensions require consultation with a mental health professional and can only occur when a student’s behavior presents an immediate physical safety risk. The bill also mandates that suspensions for alcohol, drugs, or weapons violations be handled case-by-case, and requires schools to annually collect and publish data on discipline practices, including race, disability, and age demographics. This data must be reviewed to address any disproportionate impacts on specific student groups.

Directs the office of energy resources to develop building performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island that would cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline in line with the act on climate requirements.

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

Maddy summarySB 2349 establishes a new program allowing students with severe intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities (ages 18-22) to attend Rhode Island's state colleges and universities without meeting standard college entrance requirements like standardized tests, high school diplomas, or minimum GPAs. The program integrates into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and requires institutions to provide inclusive opportunities - such as credit courses, internships, and campus activities - with tailored supports for academic, career, and social development. Participation is classified as an approved special education service, with costs covered under existing IEP funding, though institutions are not required to pay for additional supports beyond typical offerings. The law applies to all state institutions, including the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySB 2611, the Rhode Island Firearm Industry Accountability Act of 2026, requires firearm industry members (including manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of firearms, ammunition, and accessories) to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, traffickers, or straw purchasers. It prohibits advertising or marketing that promotes illegal use or increases public safety risks. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and affected individuals or the state may file lawsuits to seek damages, injunctions, or restitution. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, for new civil actions.

Maddy summarySB 2710 would make it a criminal offense to possess certain firearms designated as "prohibited" under the law. This bill directly affects individuals who currently own or handle these specific firearms without legal authorization. The key provision establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited firearms, shifting the legal standard from prior law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided context.

Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of twenty-five (25) and forty-two (42) years.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution designates April 24, 2026, as "Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day" to honor the victims of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide and the Armenian-American community in the state. The measure formally recognizes the historical events described in the bill text and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the U.S. President, Congress, and various Armenian organizations. Additionally, the bill respectfully requests that the federal government urge Turkey to acknowledge the 1915 events as genocide and to provide restitution for the losses suffered by Armenians.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates students and instructors from the Warwick Area and Chariho Career and Technical Centers for winning the 2026 Rhode Island ProStart High School Competition. It recognizes the achievements of the top teams in culinary arts, foodservice management, and hospitality tourism, which will now advance to represent the state at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the two winning schools as a formal acknowledgment of their success.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 9, 2026, as "Rhode Island Home Visiting Day" to highlight the importance of home visiting services for families. The measure encourages state residents to acknowledge these programs, which connect parents with resources to promote child health and development. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the directors of the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.