Sen. Lori Urso

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1136) formally recognizes June 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state's cultural, economic, and social fabric, particularly highlighting communities in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with the Governor, Portuguese officials, and the Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the community's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1138) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Yolanda Caceres de Leonardo, a dedicated nursing assistant and community member from the Dominican Republic. It honors her life, including her 20+ years of childcare work, her family (notably her step-daughter, State Senator Ana B. Leonardo Quezada), and her community involvement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Senator Leonardo. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2025 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor LGBTQIA+ communities and their history of advocacy. It is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or legal requirements; the resolution itself does not change laws or affect any individuals. The Senate directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, the governor, congressional representatives, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. It commemorates ongoing efforts toward equality but does not create new rights or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 999 exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Pawtucket from local property taxes. This amendment adds the organization to the existing list of tax-exempt entities under Rhode Island's property taxation law. The bill specifically targets the center's buildings and physical assets, ensuring they are not subject to municipal property tax assessments. This change directly affects the center's financial obligations but does not alter broader tax policy for other properties.

Maddy summarySB 757 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to allocate their state tuition assistance benefits to their dependents. Dependents must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and enrolled in Rhode Island state colleges or universities. The bill requires members to commit to one additional year of service for every 12 course credits covered for themselves or their dependents, with repayment required if obligations aren't met. This expands existing tuition benefits for National Guard members to include family members, subject to specific eligibility and service requirements.

Maddy summarySB 743 allows state employees in non-classified positions (including those at postsecondary and K-12 education agencies) to negotiate longevity payments as part of future collective bargaining agreements, effective July 1, 2025. Currently, such payments are prohibited for most employees under existing rules, but this bill reverses that restriction. The legislation specifies that longevity payments - defined as 5% after 10 years and 10% after 20 years of service - would not count toward base salary. It applies broadly across state education boards and other agencies, replacing a 2011 ban on new longevity increases.

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and would increase penalties for malicious injury to or killing of animals.

Maddy summarySB 988 adds Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday and Washington's Birthday to the list of recognized holidays under state labor law for purposes of work regulations on holidays and Sundays. This means employers must follow the same rules for these two holidays as they do for other designated holidays, such as requiring overtime pay or time off for eligible employees. The bill specifically amends the definition of "Holidays" in the labor code to include these days, affecting all employers covered by the state's work-on-holidays and Sundays provisions. It does not change existing exemptions for certain industries or employees. The bill passed the Senate and takes effect upon passage.

Requires EOHHS to provide self-measured blood pressure monitoring for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, covering home monitors, training, data transmission, and co-interventions, with state funds if federal aid is unavailable.

Maddy summarySB 979 amends Pawtucket's property tax classification system to reorganize how residential properties are taxed. It expands Class 1 to include residential properties with up to six dwelling units if at least one is owner-occupied (previously five units), and creates a new Class 5 for residential properties with five or fewer units where no units are owner-occupied. The bill also sets a cap limiting Class 5 tax rates to no more than 175% of Class 1 rates. This directly affects Pawtucket residential property owners, particularly those managing multi-unit rentals or mobile homes.