Sen. Sam Bell

Maddy summarySB 756 grants a specific exemption for a Class B liquor license at 865 Westminster Street in Providence, allowing a business to operate there despite standard restrictions near schools or churches. This bill directly affects the owner of that property by overriding proximity rules that would normally block such a license. It does not change general licensing rules but creates a one-time exception for this single location. The exemption applies only to the specified property and does not impact other license applications or existing regulations.

Maddy summarySB 296 repeals a provision requiring women in the community corrections program for women offenders to pay additional penalties for prostitution-related offenses. Specifically, it removes the $500 fee for felony charges (or 10% of any fine, whichever is greater) and the $350 fee for misdemeanor charges (or 10% of any fine, whichever is greater). This change directly affects women participating in the community corrections program who are convicted of prostitution-related offenses, eliminating these financial obligations. The repeal takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summarySB 191 exempts the real and tangible personal property of PROJECT Weber/RENEW, a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation, from state property taxation. The bill amends Rhode Island's tax code to add this specific organization to the list of entities eligible for property tax exemptions under Section 44-3-3. This change directly affects PROJECT Weber/RENEW by removing property tax obligations on its qualifying assets, without altering broader tax policies or creating new exemption categories. The exemption applies to all property owned by the nonprofit, as specified in the amended statute.

Creates a process for licensure/oversight by DBR over the practices/procedures of virtual currency kiosk operators to prevent fraud related to the use of virtual currency kiosks, by establishing daily transaction limits and regulation of fees.

Maddy summarySB 307 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require state and municipal police departments to collect standardized data on traffic stops and searches, including officer-perceived race/ethnicity of drivers. The bill mandates that this data - covering stop reasons, searches, outcomes, and demographics - be submitted monthly to the Department of Transportation's Highway Safety office for annual analysis by an external agency. The resulting public reports must include quarterly summaries and annual statistical analyses to identify potential racial disparities in traffic enforcement. The bill was defeated in committee on June 20, 2025, after multiple committee hearings.

Provides for warming center and cooling center alerts to trigger certain procedures municipalities shall follow during extreme heat or cold to help at-risk individuals with resources including, but not limited to, warming and cooling centers.

Creates a 5 member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submit an interim progress report by January 5, 2026, and a final report by January 5, 2027, and would expire on February 5, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Rhode Island to disclose how they use artificial intelligence for managing coverage and claims. Insurers must report details like AI models used, training data, decision-making processes, and maintain 5-year records of AI-influenced decisions - including denials of medically necessary care. All AI-driven adverse benefit determinations must be reviewed and approved by a healthcare professional before finalizing, with their rationale documented. The law mandates annual reports to state regulators on AI usage, including performance metrics like denial rates and appeal outcomes, taking effect June 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1141 clarifies the tax treatment for qualifying low-income housing properties in Rhode Island. It requires new qualifying housing units to meet federal definitions (26 U.S.C. §42) for low-income housing, while allowing existing units meeting the state's affordable housing definition (as of December 31, 2024) to retain their tax benefits. The bill mandates that these properties pay a tax equal to 8% of their previous year's gross rental income (or a lower rate set by the municipality). This applies to residential properties with rent or income restrictions recorded in land records, directly affecting housing developers and property owners managing such units.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2025 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor LGBTQIA+ communities and their history of advocacy. It is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or legal requirements; the resolution itself does not change laws or affect any individuals. The Senate directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, the governor, congressional representatives, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. It commemorates ongoing efforts toward equality but does not create new rights or obligations.