Rep. Mary Messier

Maddy summaryHB 8194 requires that real estate conveyance tax payments be directed to the same municipalities that currently collect them. This bill clarifies the existing payment structure for the tax, ensuring funds flow to the local jurisdictions where the property transaction occurs. It does not change tax rates, eligibility, or create new requirements. The bill focuses solely on the administrative routing of collected tax revenue. (1 sentence, as it is procedural)

Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.

Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 7444 updates retirement calculations for police officers and firefighters in the state. It changes the formula used to determine retirement allowances, effective July 1, 2026, by adding a 2.5% multiplier on final salary for service years after June 30, 2026. Members retiring after this date will receive their accrued benefit as of June 2026 plus the new 2.5% calculation for future service. A special provision preserves the previous benefit formula for those retiring at age 57 with 30+ years of service.

Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and firefighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1 following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 20, 2026, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the impact of Alzheimer's disease on the state's residents. The resolution acknowledges the disease's prevalence, noting that over 24,000 Rhode Islanders are affected and that caregiving places significant strain on families. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island Chapter to support awareness efforts. The measure focuses on raising public consciousness about Alzheimer's rather than implementing new policies or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 19, 2026, as "Rhode Island College Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the institution's contributions to the community. The resolution recognizes Rhode Island College as the state's oldest public college and highlights its academic programs, athletic teams, and recent investments in modernizing science and cybersecurity facilities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the college's president as a formal acknowledgment of the institution's achievements.

Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

Maddy summaryHB 7769 sets the minimum wage for 2027 at $20.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects all employers and hourly workers in the state who must pay at least this rate. The key provision amends existing law to establish this specific hourly rate for 2027, building on previously scheduled annual increases listed in the bill. The change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.