Requires submission of a domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form when the domestic violence response or investigation involves a verbal argument or dispute.
Amends the pension benefits for both current and former Rhode Island state police members, and would extend the time period a member may serve in the Rhode Island state police.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5877 amends the state's "Access to Public Records" law. Its primary provision requires that public records maintained in a computer storage system be provided to any requester at no charge. This change directly impacts both individuals and entities seeking government information, as well as the public bodies responsible for maintaining and releasing these electronic records. The bill also reinforces existing requirements for public bodies regarding record inspection, copying, and establishing clear procedures for responding to requests.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5530 (HB 5530) allows state employees to negotiate longevity payments as part of their collective bargaining agreements, effective July 1, 2025. This bill amends existing law that had previously ceased further longevity increases for most state employees since 2011. The change permits state employee unions to include these payments in future contract negotiations.
Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.
Maddy summaryHB 6058 updates the "Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act" by replacing the term "postsecondary institution" with "public higher education institution" throughout the law. This clarifies that the dual enrollment program - allowing high school students to take college courses at the same time - applies directly to all Rhode Island public colleges and universities, including community colleges. The bill does not change existing policies or funding rules but ensures the law explicitly covers all public higher education institutions. It affects high school students seeking college credit and public colleges/universities offering dual enrollment courses.
Exempts from the sales tax eligible school supplies, costing less than $30.00, purchased within one week prior to the commencement of the academic year.
Maddy summaryHB 5785 creates a temporary sales tax holiday on August 9-10, 2025, waiving sales tax on most nonbusiness retail purchases of tangible personal property. It excludes telecommunications, tobacco, fuel, vehicles, meals, and single items priced over $2,500. Vendors cannot collect tax on qualifying purchases during those dates and must refund any improperly collected tax. The bill requires vendors to maintain regular reporting obligations and mandates a post-holiday revenue report to state committees. This policy directly affects individual consumers making eligible purchases during the two-day window.
Removes the definition of "totally and permanently disabled" from the general law affording college tuition paid by the state to the spouse and children of active members of the police force who are killed or disabled during duty.
Allows backyard chickens throughout the state subject to the provisions of this section and any deed restrictions or neighborhood association by-laws.
