Sen. Jake Bissaillon

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allocating $150,000 in funding to the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local businesses and community revitalization efforts across the state. The appropriation would provide financial resources to the program's existing initiatives aimed at strengthening main street areas and small businesses. The legislation is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee for review. No specific details about how the funds will be distributed or managed are included in the current text.

Maddy summarySB 2725 increases court filing fees and writ of execution costs in district, superior, and family courts. It directly affects individuals and businesses filing civil cases or seeking enforcement through court orders. The bill changes specific fee schedules without altering court procedures or eligibility rules. This is a straightforward fee adjustment bill with no additional provisions or exemptions described in the abstract.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to remove the age limit for modifying Social Security income, allowing residents of all ages to exclude these funds from their taxable income. The legislation also updates tax calculations to include new federal provisions, such as taxing forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans over $250,000 and adjusting how tuition savings program withdrawals are handled. By aligning state tax rules with recent federal changes, the bill ensures that residents pay state taxes on income that is no longer exempt under federal law.

Amends sections of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act relative to proof of residency terminology, and amends the definition of applicant and provides a new process for the approval and certification for social equity and cannabis retail sales licenses.

Establishes sales and use tax exemptions for commercial forest product operations and creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles".

Increases from seven (7) days to nine (9) days the period of time in which a request for a recount of the votes cast can be made to the board of elections. No certificates of election may be issued, until the recount if any is completed.

Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud and allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters and creates penalties for real estate title fraud.

Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.

Expands the requirement that all high schools and middle schools, whether they are publicly or privately run to maintain on site a functional AED while establishing and implementing a cardiac emergency response plan in these schools.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences on the passing of Honorable Joseph A. Abbate, a former judge and public servant from Lincoln. The bill formally acknowledges his distinguished career, which included roles as a municipal judge, director of the Law Revision Office, and long-time community leader. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Abbate's surviving family members as a gesture of sympathy.