Rep. Scott Slater

Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax exemption for redevelopment projects to include the city of Central Falls, joining Providence and Pawtucket in this benefit. Under the new rule, real property acquired by redevelopment agencies in Central Falls will not be taxed unless the city council specifically passes an ordinance to allow it. This change applies immediately upon the bill's passage and affects only the specific real estate projects designated for redevelopment within the city.

Prohibits insurance companies from refusing to use after market parts that are greater than 48 months and less than 72 months from the date of manufacture, provided the repairer has written consent from the owner of the vehicle.

Maddy summaryHB 8275 authorizes the city of Providence to issue a specific alcoholic beverage license for a location at 1230 Elmwood Avenue. The bill amends existing state laws to allow the city's licensing board to grant exemptions from restrictions that normally prevent selling alcohol near schools, churches, or properties where neighbors object. These exemptions apply to designated areas in Providence, Newport, Warren, and Bristol, enabling licenses to be issued in zones that would otherwise be restricted. This change directly affects the ability to operate alcohol sales at the specified Providence address and other locations within the defined exempt zones.

Amends works program to provide eligibility for benefits to pregnant persons from onset of pregnancy including lawful permanent residents, increases monthly cash benefits, disallows termination of benefits for failure to work, limits monetary sanctions.

Maddy summaryHB 8076 expands eligibility for state property tax exemptions by allowing holders of a life estate to claim the same veteran tax benefits as the original veteran owner. This change directly affects individuals who possess a life interest in real property owned by a qualifying veteran, such as family members living in a home after the veteran's death. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these life estate holders can use the exemption amount available to the veteran, which varies by municipality and ranges from $1,000 to over $40,000 depending on the town. The legislation applies to veterans who served honorably in various conflicts from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf War, as well as their unmarried widows or widowers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, a voluntary retirement savings initiative administered by the state's general treasurer for private sector employees. The program allows eligible workers, who have been employed for at least 120 days, to contribute to their retirement through automatic payroll deductions, with employers having the option to participate. Funds are held in individual accounts that offer a limited selection of investment options, including portfolios tailored to different risk levels and those prioritizing companies with strong environmental and social practices. The legislation also mandates that the program provide participants with education and counseling services to help them make informed financial decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have created a new Rhode Island Nursing Home Workforce Standards Advisory Board to advise the state on improving care quality and addressing wage issues in nursing homes. The proposed board would have included representatives from nursing home employers, workers, community organizations, and state agencies, with the power to recommend minimum statewide compensation and working standards. Although the legislation passed both chambers of the General Assembly, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Requires that certain quarterly reports required to be filed by district charter schools, mayoral academies and independent charter schools be submitted to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.

Allows for the licensing of certified surgical first assistants to assist in surgeries through the department of health and a seven (7) member board of licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 7505, known as the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, allows hybrid cannabis cultivators and retailers to advertise their products during a specific transitional period. This temporary measure applies to businesses that currently sell both medical and adult-use cannabis while the state finalizes its new regulatory rules. The bill requires these businesses to maintain strict separation between medical and adult-use inventory and sales, ensure continued service levels for medical patients, and follow detailed operational plans until a new commission takes over full regulatory authority. By signing this act, the Governor enabled these businesses to legally market their goods while the state prepares for a more permanent regulatory framework.