Sen. Lori Urso

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1149) formally designates June 12, 2025, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island. It recognizes Cox Communications' charitable contributions, including over $11 million in grants for STEAM education programs and community support across environmental, youth, diversity, and technology initiatives in the state. The resolution has no binding effect and serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1151) honoring Bristol, Rhode Island's 240th annual Fourth of July celebration, recognized as the oldest continuous such event in the U.S. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to specific individuals involved in organizing the 2025 event, including committee leaders and honorary titles like "Miss Fourth of July." The resolution has no policy impact or financial obligation, solely serving to publicly acknowledge the community event and its organizers.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) formally congratulating Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor on his retirement after 27+ years of service. It recognizes his career path, including roles in community policing, leadership positions within the department, and service during the pandemic at Women & Infants Hospital. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send Chief Connor a certified copy of the tribute, with no policy changes or obligations created for any other entity. It solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Rhode Island Senate.

Maddy summarySB 952 amends the state's "Credit Card Crime Act" to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards subject to fraud penalties. This change directly affects individuals who commit fraud using stolen or counterfeit debit cards, ensuring such acts are covered under the same legal provisions previously applied only to credit cards. The bill modifies existing law to state that fraudulent use of "credit or debit cards" violates the statute, maintaining the same penalty structure based on the value obtained (e.g., $100 threshold over six months). It does not create new offenses or penalties but clarifies that debit card fraud is now explicitly prohibited under the current law.

Provides that businesses awarded tax credits, under the qualified jobs incentive act, within a specified time period are able to submit certain required documentation by December 31, 2025.

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

Requires all certified independent or district charter schools upon application for a renewal of said charter or an application for a new charter school to provide a union neutrality clause in the charter.

Maddy summarySB 118 creates the Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to address staffing and care quality in nursing homes. The board, composed of 13 members representing employers, workers, community organizations, and state agencies, will advise the legislature and labor department on wages, working conditions, and training standards for nursing home staff. It will recommend statewide minimum compensation and workplace standards but cannot enforce them directly. The bill directly affects nursing home workers, employers, and residents by aiming to improve staffing stability and care quality through data-driven recommendations. (SB 118, "Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act," focuses on advisory recommendations, not direct regulation.)

Removes the sunset provision of the four (4) year pilot program to prevent drug overdoses through the establishment of harm reduction centers and creates a permanent program for harm reduction centers.

Requires all lifeguards, and park rangers, to be trained in administering opioid antagonists, and would require all public beaches to keep available a minimum of four doses of opioid antagonist.