Sen. Jake Bissaillon

Maddy summarySB 2266 bans landlords and property managers from using computer programs (including AI tools) that rely on secret rental data from other landlords or tenants to set or adjust rent for residential properties. It specifically prohibits algorithms using nonpublic competitor data - like actual rent prices, occupancy rates, or lease details - to determine rent amounts or changes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with limited exemptions for housing programs, monthly market reports, and basic internal record-keeping systems. It directly affects residential landlords who currently use such tools to price rentals.

Redefines dyslexia to mean a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography.

Maddy summarySB 2503 establishes a maximum 8-hour workday for most state peace officers (with a 10-hour limit for correctional officer stewards) to protect their health and safety. The bill prohibits the state from requiring overtime beyond these limits, except in unforeseeable emergencies like riots, and only after the employer makes reasonable efforts to secure volunteer staff. If the state violates this rule, it must pay affected officers double time and a half of their regular hourly wage. The law takes effect upon passage and does not override existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 2740 requires healthcare workers (such as nurses, technicians, and support staff in hospitals or clinics) to receive time-and-a-half pay for any work performed on Sundays or public holidays. This applies directly to employees in healthcare settings who work on these days, mandating higher compensation for that specific schedule. The key provision replaces the current pay structure for Sunday/holiday shifts with a guaranteed 50% premium for all eligible healthcare workers. The bill aims to provide clearer compensation standards for these shifts without altering broader overtime rules.

Grants hourly credit of 288 hours against 576 hours if graduate of accredited trade school/raises to 4 years of work under master plumber and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 5 years of registration with DLT.

Bars state and local police from joining federal immigration enforcement programs, limits holding people on detainer without judicial warrants, and requires tracking and reporting of requests.

Maddy summarySB 2607 creates a legal remedy for Rhode Island residents harmed by government entities violating their constitutional rights. It allows individuals or the Attorney General to sue state or local governments (including municipalities and quasi-governmental bodies) directly for civil rights violations, waiving sovereign immunity for these cases. Key provisions set a $500,000 cap on compensatory damages (adjusted annually for inflation), prohibit punitive damages against the state, and remove the cap for intentional, willful, or malicious violations. The law provides for remedies like injunctive relief, attorney fees, and a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's SB 2608, the "Rhode Island Community Protection Act," prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during public interactions while performing official duties, except for specific safety or operational exceptions (like health emergencies, SWAT operations, or fire rescues). The bill directly affects all state, local, and federal law enforcement officers interacting with the public in Rhode Island. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to one year in jail or $1,000 fines) and civil liability for victims, including minimum $10,000 damages for intentional misconduct. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2596 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights for siblings separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. It directly affects children in these situations and their separated siblings, ensuring they can maintain contact unless it harms a child's well-being. The bill mandates courts to approve visitation if it serves the child's best interests, there's a strong emotional bond, and parents/guardians negotiate in good faith. It also requires children aged 12+ to be heard in court and prohibits monetary damages in related disputes. The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2536 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax code to exclude up to $25,000 of social security income from taxable income for residents. This change applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, directly affecting Rhode Island residents receiving social security benefits. The bill amends Section 44-30-12 to add this exclusion as a modification reducing federal adjusted gross income. It does not change other tax provisions but specifically lowers taxable income for qualifying social security recipients. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee after introduction on February 13, 2026.