Specifies that pre-k programs for three (3) – and four (4) – years olds be added to programs to increase access to voluntary, free, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.
Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.
SB 2563 mandates an independent study by Rhode Island's auditor general to evaluate whether consolidating Medicaid prescription drug management would save costs and improve transparency. The study must compare four models used by other states, including single statewide drug lists (like Connecticut) or direct state contracting (like Kentucky), and assess impacts on state spending, pharmacy rebates, and beneficiary access. It requires full data access from pharmacy benefit managers and related entities - bypassing contractual confidentiality - to ensure the analysis uses complete information on drug expenditures and rebates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island's Medicaid program, which covers children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, by setting the stage for potential future changes to drug management.
Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.
SB 2420 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to use their state tuition assistance benefits for their dependents. Dependents enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university. The program is funded up to $100,000 annually per fiscal year, requires a one-year military service commitment for each 12 course credits used, and mandates that both the Guard member and dependent maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet service or academic requirements may trigger repayment of benefits.
SB 2422 allows the town of Jamestown to expand tax exemptions for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. It establishes income-based exemption tiers (10% to 60% off property taxes) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with stricter rules for higher-income seniors. To qualify, applicants must be Jamestown residents for five years, own only residential property (not income-producing), and provide proof of income. The bill does not change existing statewide tax rules but gives Jamestown local authority to adjust its senior exemption program through town ordinances.
SB 2041 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for residential homeowners. The exemption starts at 10% of the town's average property value in the first year and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by town meeting vote. Registered voters who live in and own their homes automatically qualify, while non-voter residents must apply with ID and utility proof. Rental properties with fixed-year leases may also qualify under specific conditions. This bill directly affects Little Compton homeowners and renters meeting residency requirements.
SB 2040 authorizes the town of Bristol to apply the owner-occupied tax rate to mixed-use properties (such as homes with small businesses) when the residential portion is owner-occupied, instead of the higher commercial rate. This directly affects Bristol property owners who live in homes that also include commercial space, allowing them to pay the lower residential tax rate on the entire property. The bill amends tax classification rules to explicitly permit Bristol to include these properties in the owner-occupied residential class (Class 1). This policy change simplifies tax treatment and reduces the tax burden for qualifying property owners in Bristol.
SB 2037 authorizes the town of Barrington to provide a property tax credit of up to $16,000 for legally blind residents through a local ordinance. It directly affects legally blind individuals who are legal residents of Barrington and own property there. The bill specifies that this credit applies to real property and requires residents to provide certified proof of blindness and residency to claim the exemption. This change would allow Barrington to offer a specific tax reduction for eligible residents, consistent with similar provisions for other towns in the state.
Clarifies that buildings on leased land in the town of South Kingstown shall be taxed as real estate whether or not the leases are in writing or recorded.
