Sen. Jake Bissaillon

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about communication disorders. The bill urges state agencies, including the Departments of Human Services and Elementary and Secondary Education, to organize hearing screenings and special events during this month. It also encourages educators, specialists, and the public to acknowledge the work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists who help individuals manage these conditions. By transmitting copies of the resolution to relevant officials and organizations, the state aims to promote better understanding and support for those affected by hearing, language, and speech issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of individuals to clear their criminal records by allowing the expungement of multiple non-violent felony convictions ten years after the sentence is completed. It also permits the expungement of multiple misdemeanor convictions after ten years, provided the person has not committed new crimes during that period and has paid all related court fees. The law explicitly excludes anyone convicted of a crime of violence from these expungement provisions and requires that applicants demonstrate good moral character and a lack of new arrests or convictions since their last offense. Additionally, the bill allows for the expungement of records related to offenses that have been decriminalized since the original conviction took place.

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee under the provisions of chapters 29 through 38 of title 28 and under § 9-31-8 of the general laws.

Prohibits prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the prescription of a nonpreferred medication on their drug formulary used to assess or treat an enrollee's bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizotypal.

Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Requires renovation projects of pre-1978 buildings to comply with provisions of chapter 24.6 of title 23 and chapter 21 of title 28, and require presence of lead inspector and supervisor and require lead training. DLT would ensure compliance.

Allows town and city councils to impose penalties for the violation of ordinances and regulations not exceeding the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Determines reimbursement rate for lost tax revenue base upon the 2023 assessment and rate. Allows for an estimate to be calculate based upon 2022 if 2023 information unavailable. Allows municipality to audit calculation.

Creates new tax on gains from sale or exchange of real property held for short periods of time, 6 years or less, establishes a comprehensive framework to calculate and implement enforcement and provides imprisonment and/or fines for those who evade taxes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 28, 2024, as "Arts Advocacy Day" in Rhode Island to highlight the economic and cultural value of the arts sector. The bill recognizes that the arts contribute billions to the state economy and support local businesses, while also benefiting students through arts education programs. It urges residents to appreciate and support artists and cultural organizations, particularly those affected by pandemic-related shutdowns. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.