Sen. John Burke

Maddy summarySB 2742 would authorize the state lottery division to operate non-charitable bingo games, creating a new legal framework for this activity. It directly affects the state lottery division by granting it the specific power to run these games, which are typically restricted under current law. The key provision establishes a new chapter in state law to govern non-charitable bingo operations under the lottery division's oversight. This bill does not change existing charitable bingo rules but adds a new, state-run option for bingo games.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of key events in the American Revolutionary War involving Irish Americans, including the British withdrawal from Boston on St. Patrick's Day 1776 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence by eight Irish American delegates. It highlights the contributions of Irish-born or Irish-descended figures such as General John Sullivan and the signers of the Declaration, noting their roles in founding the United States and inspiring later Irish independence movements. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Chair of the Senate of Ireland, formally recognizing this historical connection between the two nations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences for the passing of Anna Casale, a 98-year-old woman from Cranston. The resolution acknowledges her life as a devoted wife, mother of ten children, and matriarch who raised her family with faith and compassion. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Casale family as a formal gesture of respect. The document serves as a commemorative tribute rather than a policy change, focusing on honoring Casale's legacy and supporting her grieving family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences to the D'Adamo family following the death of Vincent D'Adamo, Jr., a longtime Providence resident and pharmacist. The bill formally acknowledges his life, including his military service in the Korean War, his career running a pharmacy in North Providence, and his community involvement. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Mr. D'Adamo's children, Julie Persechino and Sandra Bucci.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially recognizes and celebrates World Greek Language Day in Rhode Island, as proclaimed by UNESCO. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Greek diplomatic and religious leaders in the United States. It serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the Greek language's historical and cultural significance rather than implementing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences to the family of the late James M. Donelan, a former Rhode Island State Senator from Warwick. The bill honors his life and career, noting his service in the 15th District from 1990 to 2002 and his work on the Good Driving Statute. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Donelan's family as a formal acknowledgment of the Senate's respect for his contributions to public service and his community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the passing of Francisco J. "El Grande" Batista, a Rhode Island resident and longtime real estate professional. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Batista family, acknowledging his contributions to the community and his role as a father, brother, and husband. It serves as a formal recognition of his life and the impact he had on those who knew him.

Maddy summarySB 2276 repeals the state's current law on unreasonable noise levels, which set specific limits (such as sound audible 100 feet away or penetrating a vehicle from 20 feet) and replaces it with a provision allowing cities and towns to establish their own local noise control ordinances. Municipalities will be able to set their own maximum sound levels for different activities, considering factors like time of day, proximity to homes, and whether noise comes from residential or commercial sources. The bill removes state-level noise restrictions but does not impose new state regulations, shifting responsibility for noise control to local governments. This change takes effect upon passage.

Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

Maddy summarySB 2183 eliminates the registration and service charge fees for vehicles displaying National Guard license plates. This directly affects National Guard members who use these specialized plates for their personal vehicles. The bill's key provision is removing these specific fees from the state's vehicle registration system, simplifying the process for eligible National Guard members without altering other registration requirements.