Adds probation officers and parole officers to the definition of "police officer" for purposes of salary payments during line of duty illness or injury.
Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.
Maddy summarySB 466 changes how Massachusetts pays nursing facilities for Medicaid services. It replaces the current cost-based payment system with a new method that adjusts rates based on patient care needs (acuity), facility occupancy, and inflation. Crucially, 80% of certain annual rate increases must be used to raise wages for direct-care staff like nurses and aides (excluding exempt employees and contracted workers), with facilities required to certify compliance annually. This applies to all nursing facilities serving Medicaid patients under both fee-for-service and managed care programs.
Maddy summarySB 310 amends the state's minimum wage law to set annual increases for covered workers. It establishes a minimum wage of $16 per hour starting January 1, 2026, rising to $17 in 2027, $18 in 2028, $19 in 2029, and $20 in 2030. The bill directly affects all employers subject to the state's minimum wage requirements, including businesses in retail, hospitality, and other sectors employing hourly workers. This amendment updates the existing wage schedule without altering current enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.
Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to walking, biking, and hiking trails and access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 596), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Box family following the passing of Dr. Joseph J. Box. The resolution specifically directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Dr. Box's children. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or individuals beyond this expression of sympathy.
Maddy summarySB 335 removes an existing exemption that allowed entire residences (like houses, condos, or apartments) to be rented without paying the state's 5% hotel tax. This change affects landlords and property managers who rent out whole properties, requiring them to collect and remit the tax starting January 1, 2026. The bill amends tax code to clarify that such rentals are no longer exempt, aligning them with traditional hotel or short-term rental services. The tax applies in addition to standard sales taxes and will be administered by the state division of taxation.
Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.
Maddy summarySB 63 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's law. It specifies that a felony is any offense punishable by more than one year in prison or a fine over $1,000; a misdemeanor is punishable by 6 months to 364 days in prison or a fine up to $1,000; and a petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine up to $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in legal texts should be interpreted as 364 days. This change directly affects all criminal cases classified under these categories, ensuring consistent application of penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Exempts from taxation the non-commercial real and tangible personal property of Southside Community Land Trust, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island.
