Senator Melissa Murray

06/23/2026

Survivors of abuse in Rhode Island will soon be able to flee dangerous living situations by ending their leases early without enduring long-term penalties. Details: https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/under-new-ri-law-abuse-survivors-can-break-leases-to-escape-unsafe-homes/

06/23/2026

Legislation sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Senator Melissa Murray and Rep. Rebecca Kislak - Dist. 4 RI has been signed into law, phasing out dangerous rat poisons that harm wildlife and creating a pilot program to help communities with safer alternatives for rodent control.

The legislation, which was signed by governor Thursday following its passage by lawmakers June 8, will prohibit the sale of first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to consumers in Rhode Island beginning March 1, 2027, and prohibit the sale of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides beginning Jan. 1, 2028. Licensed commercial applicators would be exempt.

Anticoagulant rodenticides kill by preventing blood clotting, and although users are targeting rats, there is no way to prevent consumption by nontarget species. Raptors, who are a natural predator of rodents, are particularly imperiled by their use.

“These products are meant to kill rats, but they do great harm to raptors and other wildlife, and they are a risk to children and pets. Their poison accumulates in the bodies of species who eat rodents who have consumed the products, and ironically winds up killing raptors, which are an important part of the food chain that controls the rat population,” said Chairwoman Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield.)

Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376749

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

I’m excited to announce my candidacy for another term representing Senate District 24 (Woonsocket & North Smithfield)! Looking forward to seeing you on the campaign trail and hearing your thoughts. Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Town Hall to discuss this year’s legislative session and your priorities.

06/22/2026

I am so honored and humbled to be named the Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislator of the Year at the State Convention this past weekend.
Being recognized alongside such dedicated public servants, including Law Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, EMT of the Year, and Scout of the Year was a true honor.
I’m deeply grateful to the VFW for this recognition and everyone who made it possible. I will continue working hard on behalf of our veterans and communities. Thank you so much. 🇺🇸❤️

06/21/2026

Honored to walk with past and present General Assembly colleagues and other elected officials in the 50th anniversary of the Providence Pride Parade last night. A beautiful night celebrating community, equality, and a simple truth: love is love. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

06/17/2026

Important information regarding changes at the federal level that will disrupt the foundation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), undermining the promise that all children will receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs (see below).

However, your rights and your children’s rights have not changed. Any RI residents who need assistance or guidance navigating special education services for their children can always contact RIPIN for help.

Thank you, RIPIN for always being there for our state’s parents, caregivers, and children.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it was moving its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and moving its Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Together, these two federal offices are part of the foundation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). By disrupting that foundation, this action undermines the promise of special education that all children will receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs.

While we oppose removing these critical functions from the Department of Education, we want you all to know that special education laws have not changed. The IDEA has not changed. Your rights and your children’s rights have not changed.

RIPIN’s commitment to families has not changed either. We are here for you, providing the same trusted peer support and guidance to help you navigate special education services and ensure your child can thrive. We are fully operational and not going anywhere.

We will continue to monitor developments and share updates as new information becomes available, including potential advocacy opportunities for parents and caregivers who want to bring their voices to the policy table to protect special education.

Thank you, as always, for your dedication to ensuring that all children have the support they need to thrive.

06/12/2026

Senate President Valarie Lawson and Senate Health & Human Services Committee Chairwoman Senator Melissa Murray are celebrating passage of 12 of the Senate’s priority healthcare bills.

The bills were part of a 17-bill package announced in March. This is the third year that Senate leadership has brought forward a legislative package focused on healthcare accessibility and affordability.

“We took important steps this session to improve the well-being of our communities, with a focus on improving the stability and sustainability of our health system to make essential care both accessible and affordable for every Rhode Islander. I am proud that the Senate has been a leader in addressing Rhode Island’s healthcare crisis. Together, we are working with urgency to meet the needs of patients and providers across our state,” said President Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).

“As Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, I am deeply grateful to my colleagues who embraced these measures to improve our healthcare system. While we know that solving the healthcare crisis cannot be accomplished through any single piece of legislation, or any one collection of bills, those that were successful this session build upon our past progress and help address the most pressing needs of this moment. These bills will support Rhode Islanders in crisis, protect patients and providers, and strengthen the health workforce. Achieving our goals is a long-term effort, and our chamber remains committed to seeing it through,” said Chairwoman Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).

Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376718

06/12/2026

The 2026 Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series starts tonight in River Island Art Park. I hope to see you there!

Email from NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley Join us for Shayna Steele, YONKS, a special honor for Dave Richards, and a night of free music and community Join Us Friday - Levitt AMP Woonsocket & S

06/12/2026

…..and that’s a wrap! The 2026 legislative session is officially over. I’ll be providing a legislative overview and breakdown soon, including:

✅ Protections for domestic violence and sexual assault victims
✅ Prohibiting restrictive covenants related to grocery stores that create food deserts
✅ Funding the 988 su***de hotline
✅ Increased funding for our public schools
✅ Addressing safe staffing in our hospitals
✅ Banning dangerous pesticides that harm our wildlife and environment
✅ Ensuring more child support payments go to children and not to the state
✅ Initiatives to decrease maternal and infant mortality
✅ Expansion of lead testing for children
✅ Expanded access to mental health and marriage counselors
✅ Legislation to address unfair “hospital dumping” of behaviorally complex patients
✅ Updated revisions to the uniform controlled substances act to help prevent addiction to opioids

But for now, a small rest before kicking off summer at tonight’s Levitt AMP free concert in River Island Art Park.