Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summarySR 2009 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate expressing condolences to the family of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, mother of three, and poet, following her death. The resolution urges the FBI to conduct a full investigation into her passing and extends sympathy to all who mourn her loss. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes her life and calls for transparency in the circumstances of her death. The resolution was unanimously approved by the Senate on January 8, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors victims Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, who died in the December 2025 Brown University shooting, and commends first responders including Providence firefighters, police, and medical staff for their actions during the incident. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the tragedy and the bravery of those who assisted victims. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on January 6, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the victims' families and relevant officials. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on future legislation or funding.

Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information or proof of identity.

Maddy summarySB 238, the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries and school libraries from removing or restricting materials based on the creator's identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) or viewpoint. It defines censorship narrowly, excluding only obscene material (per legal standards) or content deemed developmentally inappropriate by recognized authorities like the ALA. The law requires libraries to adopt policies ensuring challenged materials remain available during review, establish formal reconsideration processes with 30-day timelines, and mandate written justifications for removals. These rules apply directly to public library boards, school committees, and librarians managing collections across the state.

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

Maddy summarySB 229 repeals the legal authorization for "deferred-deposit transactions," commonly known as payday loans, by removing the specific definition that allowed these services in the state. This directly affects payday lenders operating within the state, ending their ability to legally offer short-term cash advances secured by personal checks or future account debits. The bill eliminates the regulatory framework enabling these transactions, which were previously defined under "deferred-deposit transactions" and "payday loans" in the licensing statutes. The law was signed by the governor on July 1, 2025, making it effective immediately.

Maddy summarySB 887 ensures continued protection against disability discrimination in Rhode Island state programs and federally funded activities, even if federal law changes. It requires the state to maintain all existing disability protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if that federal law is repealed or invalidated by a court or federal action. The law automatically reverts to the state’s prior legal standards for disability rights as of the day before any federal change takes effect. This directly affects all state agencies, schools, and organizations receiving state funding or operating under state regulation.

Grants Rhode Island's family court jurisdiction to make findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors under twenty-one (21) years.

Maddy summarySB 487 prohibits all licensed healthcare facilities (such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes) from asking patients about their legal immigration status or requiring proof of U.S. residency. This applies to every patient regardless of their immigration status, ensuring that facilities cannot deny care or ask for such information during treatment. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add a clear standard (section 19) explicitly banning these questions, with no exceptions for facility staff or billing processes. It takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, which occurred on July 1, 2025. This policy change directly protects patients’ privacy and access to care without altering other healthcare services or billing requirements.

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.