Sen. John Burke

Primary SB 465

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND RESERVES

Maddy summarySB 465 prohibits life insurance companies licensed in the state from denying coverage or excluding benefits due to a person’s preexisting medical conditions or prior insurance denials. It directly affects residents seeking life insurance policies within the state, ensuring they cannot be refused coverage based on health history. The bill voids any preexisting condition exclusion language in applications, binders, or policies, making such terms unenforceable. This policy change would take effect immediately upon passage, requiring insurers to offer coverage without these restrictions.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits life insurers from denying coverage due to preexisting conditions, expanding access to life insurance coverage for health-related issues.95% confidence

died Mar 11, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 382

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- THE COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION BENEFITS ACT

Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees would be required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.

Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates pre-tax commuter benefits for large employers, expanding employee transportation benefits as a workplace perk.95% confidence TransportationSupports TransportationRequires large employers to provide pre-tax commuter benefits, promoting public transit use and sustainable transportation options.85% confidence

died Mar 11, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 560

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDiverts minor marijuana possession cases from criminal to family court, reducing criminalization and promoting rehabilitation for youth under 17.90% confidence

In committee Mar 11, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 564

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DCYF FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES ACT COMPLIANCE AND IMPACT REPORT

Requires DCYF to submit a one-time, detailed report on the effectiveness of EBPs in keeping children out of foster care, providing valuable data on the programs' impact on high-risk families, reunification outcomes, and program availability.

died Mar 11, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SR 216

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND REVIEW RHODE ISLAND'S MINIMUM WAGE

This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s minimum wage from May 4, 2025, to May 4, 2026, and said commission would expire on January 4, 2027.

died Mar 5, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 563

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

Prohibits the distribution, transfer, or possession of any material that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits child exploitation material, strengthening criminal law against sexual abuse of minors within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

In committee Feb 26, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 453

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- STATE AID TO LIBRARIES

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates 25% state funding for libraries, securing public service budget allocation under fiscal responsibility.95% confidence EducationSupports EducationBill mandates state funding for public libraries at 25% of local appropriations, supporting educational access as libraries provide critical learning resources and access to information for students and communities.85% confidence

In committee Feb 26, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 469

In committee · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- "THE RHODE ISLAND INFORMED CONSENT PROTECTION ACT"

Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.

HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts public health enforcement by prohibiting vaccine mandates and DCYF investigations, weakening disease prevention efforts.85% confidence

In committee Feb 26, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SR 367

Passed · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

SENATE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT EDWARD KENAHAN ON FEBRUARY 8TH, 2025

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 367), not a law with policy changes. It formally celebrates the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025, recognizing his career service as a Rhode Island State Police officer (20 years), U.S. Navy veteran (Korean Conflict), and security professional. The Senate passed the resolution on February 25, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Kenahan. It has no effect on laws, regulations, or any individual's rights or obligations.

Passed Feb 25, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SR 360

died · Rhode Island Senate · Lead sponsor

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ASSESS EDUCATION MODULES FOR DIVORCING PARENTS

Creates a nine (9) member commission to the study and assess the most effective module for divorcing parents, and would report back by January 27, 2026, and expire on March 27, 2026.

died Feb 25, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track