Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 784) authorizes a $750,000 appropriation from the state treasury for WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization. The funding would support the organization's ongoing operational costs, including its downtown Providence events and arts center. WaterFire Providence directly benefits as it uses the funds to maintain its annual bonfire events, arts center, and community programs. The resolution specifies the money comes from unallocated state funds for fiscal year 2025-2026, with payment directed through the state controller.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 421) authorizes $1,000,000 in state funding for the Rhode Island Food Bank to address food insecurity. It directly affects the Food Bank’s ability to support households facing hunger, as nearly 38% of Rhode Island households experience food insecurity. The key provision is a one-time appropriation from the state treasury, requiring the controller to pay the funds upon verified requests. This provides immediate financial support for food distribution services without altering existing eligibility rules or creating new programs.

Provides an 8% tax rate for those properties that are encumbered by a deed restriction for low-income housing set at 80% or 60% of adjusted median income established by HUD.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1158) is a symbolic recognition resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate, urging citizens to observe "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" on June 19, 2025. It does not create new law or change existing holidays but formally acknowledges the historical significance of June 19, 1865 - the date enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. The resolution supports annual community education about this history and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Governor. As a commemorative measure, it directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging participation in the observance.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island Senate resolution condemns the June 14, 2025, shooting that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. It expresses sympathy to the affected families and was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on June 17, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally denounces political violence. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies to Minnesota officials.

Restructures the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increases its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocates the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2026, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

Provides for warming center and cooling center alerts to trigger certain procedures municipalities shall follow during extreme heat or cold to help at-risk individuals with resources including, but not limited to, warming and cooling centers.

Maddy summarySB 709 updates Rhode Island's housing code enforcement process by requiring housing code officers to provide written violation notices to both property owners and affected tenants. The bill mandates that notices include specific details about violations, a 30-day correction period, and clear service methods (including certified mail to tenants). It also requires non-resident landlords to appoint a registered agent in the state for legal notices, with a $100 fine for non-compliance. The law ensures tenants receive copies of violation notices and hearing dates, and establishes procedures for re-inspections, second notices, and recording violations in land registries for up to three years. These changes directly affect landlords (especially non-resident owners), tenants, and local housing enforcement officers.

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.