Sen. John Burke

Maddy summarySB 587 would allow workers who are locked out by their employer during a labor dispute (such as when an employer refuses to bargain collectively) to receive unemployment benefits. It also permits benefits for workers on strike if they are not part of the union or group causing the dispute. The bill specifies that employers must offer to extend current wages and working conditions for up to three days before a lockout is considered valid, and excludes benefits if the lockout responds to a strike at another employer in a multi-employer bargaining group. This change directly affects workers involved in labor disputes and aims to provide financial support during workplace conflicts.

Maddy summarySB 645, the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibits the sale of most consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) starting in 2027, with additional bans on artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions taking effect in 2029. The bill exempts products containing PFAS that are authorized by the FDA for food contact, such as certain cookware, and requires clear labeling for products containing PFAS. It also exempts unavoidable trace amounts of PFAS in cosmetics due to manufacturing processes. This law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of affected products within the state.

Maddy summarySR 934 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 171st anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity. It declares March 31, 2025 (the treaty’s signing date) as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state and federal officials. This resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition of historical ties between Rhode Island and Japan, including cultural exchanges and economic partnerships. It does not create new policies or affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 935), not a substantive bill. It formally celebrates "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House on April 1, 2025, to recognize the University of Rhode Island (URI) for its educational, research, and economic contributions to the state. The resolution highlights URI's status as a top-ranked public university and its role in workforce development, without creating any new legal requirements or affecting specific individuals or entities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to URI's president.

Provides that when 2 or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recall obligation policies.

Maddy summarySB 814 makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct by law enforcement officers, public safety officials, or hospital staff. The bill penalizes individuals who submit false reports with up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory restitution to the falsely accused person for damages. It specifically targets false reports filed with the intent that they be relied upon by authorities, covering both criminal reports and official misconduct complaints. The bill is currently in committee (held for further study after a March 2025 hearing) and would take effect upon passage.

Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.

Amends powers/duties of the office of the health insurance commissioner to increase total cost of care for services reimbursed under contracts after risk adjustment that exceeds the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers percentage increase.

Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would be private and only accessible by specific entities.