Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summarySB 281 would allow individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to petition courts to clear their criminal records after completing their sentences. Specifically, it permits expungement 10 years post-sentence for those convicted of multiple non-violent felonies (excluding violent crimes or certain drug offenses), provided they have paid all fees/fines, have no new arrests/convictions in the prior decade, and demonstrate good moral character. The bill directly affects people with multiple non-violent felony records who meet these criteria, streamlining the process for record clearance. It modifies existing expungement rules by extending the waiting period to 10 years for multiple non-violent felonies and adding specific eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Rhode Island's federal delegation (Senators Reed and Whitehouse, and Representatives Magaziner and Amo) to demand reversal of policies harming health programs. It specifically calls for restoring U.S. foreign aid (including PEPFAR for HIV care), ending the Mexico City Policy, unfreezing Medicaid funding, and resuming CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The resolution has no legal force but aims to influence federal policy by advocating for reinstating global health cooperation and domestic health protections. It directly targets the federal delegation's role in addressing these specific policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 548 requires municipalities to license existing unlicensed adult sex venues, creating a new "Class S" license for facilities allowing patrons to bring or consume alcohol on-site. This license mandates annual fees ($100-$2,000), restricts operating hours (12 p.m.-2 a.m., no alcohol after 1 a.m.), and prohibits dances without additional permits. The bill also directs the Department of Health to establish health and safety standards by 2026, including STI prevention measures (free condoms/lubricant if intercourse occurs), signage for health services, and protocols to ensure consent and reduce trafficking risks. It directly affects current adult sex venues operating without licenses, requiring them to comply with new licensing rules and health regulations to continue operating.

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

Maddy summarySB 598 requires all drivers providing for-hire passenger transportation in Rhode Island - including taxi drivers, bus operators, and ride-sharing (TNC) drivers - to pass a national and state criminal background check before transporting passengers. The check covers serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, DUI causing death, and certain drug or weapon crimes, with disqualifying information reported to the Division of Public Utilities. Drivers must pay for the check, receive a clearance certificate valid for five years, and can appeal denials by demonstrating rehabilitation for past convictions. The bill excludes juvenile records and some minor offenses from consideration, ensuring only relevant criminal history impacts eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 778 imposes a 2% tax on the endowment value of private universities with endowments exceeding $1 billion. This tax applies only to amounts above $1 billion, targeting large private institutions like Harvard or Stanford if their endowments qualify. Revenue collected must be deposited into a restricted account and distributed to the municipality where the university is predominantly located. The funds are specifically required to hire, retain, and support behavioral health staff (such as social workers and psychologists) in public schools within that municipality. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not affect smaller institutions or public universities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 762) commemorates the mathematical constant π (pi) by designating March 14th as a day to honor its history and significance. It encourages schools, organizations, and individuals to promote math education through activities on Pi Day, while recognizing contributions of mathematicians like Archimedes and Euler. The resolution has no binding effect but formally acknowledges π's role in science and education, directing the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Mathematics Teachers Association.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Ann D. McCaffrey, a former Warwick public school teacher and community member. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" from the Rhode Island Senate to her family, including her children (who include former Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey) and grandchildren. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family members. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not create new laws or affect any constituents.

Limits prior authorization requirements for rehabilitative and habilitative services. Also prohibits prior authorization for the first twelve (12) visits of a new episode of care and for ninety (90) days following a chronic pain diagnosis.

Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.