Sen. Lori Urso

Maddy summarySB 2722 creates a new legal claim (cause of action) for individuals to seek reimbursement from responsible parties for the replacement cost of a child restraint system (like a car seat) damaged in a motor vehicle accident. This directly affects parents, guardians, or caregivers who must replace such safety equipment after a crash. The key provision allows victims to file a civil lawsuit specifically to recover these replacement costs through the court system. The bill does not change accident liability rules but adds a specific financial remedy for a common post-crash expense related to child safety. It was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to remove the age limit for modifying Social Security income, allowing residents of all ages to exclude these funds from their taxable income. The legislation also updates tax calculations to include new federal provisions, such as taxing forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans over $250,000 and adjusting how tuition savings program withdrawals are handled. By aligning state tax rules with recent federal changes, the bill ensures that residents pay state taxes on income that is no longer exempt under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates students and faculty at Thompson Middle School for their participation in the 2026 Rhode Island Civics Day event. It specifically recognizes the school's first-year involvement in the program and celebrates a student team that won the Top Middle School Award for their community project. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the school's teacher and principal.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Thrive Behavioral Health, Inc. on its 50th anniversary and recognizes its long-standing contributions to mental health care in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the organization's growth from its founding as the Kent County Mental Health Center to its current role as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides comprehensive, affordable services. It highlights Thrive's holistic approach, which combines clinical treatment with support for housing and employment to help individuals achieve stability. The resolution expresses gratitude for the organization's work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's president and CEO.

Clarifies and updates language in the office of state medical examiners statute to address outdated or ambiguous language, outdated practices, outdated position titles/qualifications, and ensure compliance with federal HIPAA requirements.

Creates a new class of retirement status license for retirees that had possessed a professional license issued by the department of labor and training.

Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.

Maddy summarySB 2032 prohibits health insurance plans in Rhode Island from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations. It specifically covers exams used to evaluate abnormalities (diagnostic) or screen for breast cancer in high-risk individuals (supplemental), based on medical history or risk factors. The law applies to all group and individual health insurance plans, including those offered by health maintenance organizations and nonprofit health corporations. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, ensuring these exams are fully covered without cost-sharing for enrollees.

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 includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.

Creates a ten member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submits an interim progress report by January 5, 2027, and a final report by January 5, 2028, and expires on February 5, 2028.