Sen. Jake Bissaillon

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates the family-owned Mr. Lemon business in Providence on its 50th anniversary of serving frozen lemonade treats to Rhode Island residents and visitors. The bill recognizes the company's history, which began in 1974 by founders Eileen and Joseph Rao and continues today under their three children, while also noting the brand's expanded flavor selection and a recent tribute flavor change. By passing this resolution, the Rhode Island Senate formally expresses gratitude for the business's long-standing role as a local staple and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the current owners.

Provides an exemption for certain incarcerated persons from the payment of fees for a first request for vital statistics from the department of health.

Prevents insurance companies from treating widowed persons differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining an insured's rate or classification respecting the operation of a personal motor vehicle. Effective 1/1/25.

Allocates, to the cities and towns of the state, a portion of state income taxes for new employees of not-for-profit healthcare institutions and private educational institutions.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2308 amends the retirement rules for school teachers and other public employees in Rhode Island to allow them to retire earlier under specific conditions. The bill establishes different eligibility requirements based on when a teacher began working, with provisions for those who started before 2009, those between 2009 and 2012, and new rules effective in 2012 and 2015. For example, it allows teachers who started after 2012 to retire once they reach their Social Security retirement age with at least five years of service, while those with longer tenure may retire earlier with a reduction in their monthly pension benefits. The legislation also includes a formula to adjust retirement ages for certain long-serving employees who were not yet eligible to retire before specific cutoff dates.

Raises the amount of life insurance the state would provide at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 170th anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity, which established formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. The bill highlights the historical significance of Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition and celebrates the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, as well as specific ties between Rhode Island and Japan in areas like trade, education, and culture. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to federal officials, the President, and the Japanese Consul General to formally acknowledge this milestone.

Creates an additional Rhode Island personal income surtax of 3% on taxable income over $1,000,000, with the existing three-bracket personal income tax structure remaining in place.