Sen. Jake Bissaillon

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Amos House, provided it remains a qualified tax-exempt corporation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

Exempts the real and tangible personal property of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, located at 359 Broad Street within the city of Providence.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the authorization for "Don't Block the Box" automated traffic cameras in New Jersey from January 2027 to January 2030. It allows state and local governments to continue using these sensors to detect vehicles that block intersections, provided the systems are approved for accuracy and can capture license plate images. The legislation maintains existing rules that prohibit using the collected data for tracking individuals or selling information to third parties, while also restricting private company payments to equipment fees rather than revenue sharing.

Establishes the thermal energy network & jobs act facilitating study of the technology to determine if goals can be met by implementing thermal energy networks in Rhode Island/creates a task force of interested parties to be an advisory committee.

Provides that energy storage systems located on abandoned or contaminated property be permitted by right as a permitted use and not considered to have negative environmental impacts.

Provides technical amendments relating to comprehensive planning and land use, subdivision of land, zoning ordinances and low- and moderate-income housing.

Maddy summarySB 3297 amends the state workers' compensation law to clarify definitions and expand the authority of the workers' compensation court. The bill updates how "earnings capacity" is calculated for injured workers, specifying that courts can consider an employee's ability to work based on their functional impairment without requiring the employer to identify specific job offers. It also clarifies who qualifies as an "employee" and "employer," including state agencies and contractors, while explicitly excluding independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporate officers. Additionally, the legislation grants the court broader powers to enforce its orders and manage disputes regarding liability, disability status, and medical causation for cases filed after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates state zoning laws to give towns and cities clearer rules on how they can regulate parking and allow different types of housing. It specifically requires municipalities to integrate residential areas with commercial zones, allowing for mixed-use developments where people can live above shops. The legislation also permits the construction of attached single-family homes, such as townhouses, provided they have access to water and sewer services. Additionally, the bill mandates that larger cities with over 40,000 residents must allow residential development in at least 30% of their commercial districts. These changes aim to promote more flexible land use planning while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAFE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

Updates the state’s public accountancy act for consistency with the 9th edition of the Uniform Accountancy Act, as issued by NASBA and AICPA in July 2025.