Sen. Lori Urso

Maddy summarySB 129 amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to expand protections against discrimination in housing. The bill adds "housing status," "lawful source of income," and "military status" (for veterans and servicemembers) as protected characteristics. It also clarifies the definition of "domestic abuse" within the act and defines "assistance animal" and "service animal." This means housing owners and agents are prohibited from inquiring about or discriminating against individuals based on these expanded categories when selling, renting, or leasing housing accommodations.

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.

Would provide children up to age three (3) with continuous coverage eligibility for RIte Track/RIte Care so that they are not at risk of losing coverage at the yearly redetermination due solely to administrative barriers.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 607 amends existing laws related to the regulation of nurses and speech-language pathologists/audiologists. For nurses, the bill clarifies the rules for recent graduates to practice temporarily under supervision while awaiting their licensing exam results, requiring licensure within 90 days of graduation. It also refines conditions for out-of-state nurses who are temporarily practicing in the state. For speech-language pathologists and audiologists, the bill updates certain definitions, such as for "audiology support personnel," to align with current regulatory language. These changes aim to provide clarity and update professional licensing requirements.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $15,200,000 to cities and towns to purchase firefighter and rescue personnel protective gear which is PFAS free.

Maddy summarySR 49 is a joint resolution proposing to allocate $250,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding would be directed to the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI (SUMHLC). The resolution aims to support SUMHLC's mission of promoting a coordinated system of community-based mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services. This appropriation is intended to help address the high rates of addiction and the need for readily available services in Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 34 proposes to eliminate the sales tax on certain services. Specifically, it removes the sales tax requirement for taxi services and pet care services. This change means that individuals who use these services would no longer pay sales tax on them. It also directly affects businesses providing taxi and pet care services by altering their sales tax collection and remittance obligations.

Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 964) formally designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or requirements but publicly recognizes the importance of financial education, urging all Rhode Islanders to participate in programs that improve skills like budgeting, saving, and avoiding financial scams. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share the proclamation with the RI JumpStart Coalition, a group focused on financial literacy education. It directly affects the state's public awareness efforts, aligning with existing high school financial education standards established in 2021.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 968) expressing condolences to the family of Ronald D. Newman, a former Richmond Town Council member and longtime Rhode Island Department of Agriculture employee. The resolution honors his 29-year career in state agriculture, his service on the Richmond Town Council (including terms as Council President), and his community contributions. It was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on April 10, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Cathleen Newman, and family. As a non-binding expression of sympathy, it does not create policy or affect any laws or constituents.