Waives the fees for vehicle identification number inspections for veterans, including active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and military reserves.
Maddy summarySB 76 removes the $5 registration fee and transfer charge for applicants seeking a special "Bronze Star Medal" license plate. This bill directly affects recipients of the U.S. Bronze Star Medal who wish to display this plate on eligible vehicles (under 12,000 lbs gross weight). The key change is eliminating the financial requirement while maintaining the plate's design (featuring "Bronze Star Medal" wording and insignia) and the provision for transferring the plate to a surviving spouse after the holder's death. The fee removal applies to all future applications and transfers starting January 1, 2026.
Prohibits the use of service agreements that are unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to persons who may become owners of that real estate in the future.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1149) formally designates June 12, 2025, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island. It recognizes Cox Communications' charitable contributions, including over $11 million in grants for STEAM education programs and community support across environmental, youth, diversity, and technology initiatives in the state. The resolution has no binding effect and serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1151) honoring Bristol, Rhode Island's 240th annual Fourth of July celebration, recognized as the oldest continuous such event in the U.S. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to specific individuals involved in organizing the 2025 event, including committee leaders and honorary titles like "Miss Fourth of July." The resolution has no policy impact or financial obligation, solely serving to publicly acknowledge the community event and its organizers.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) formally congratulating Warwick Police Chief Colonel Bradford Connor on his retirement after 27+ years of service. It recognizes his career path, including roles in community policing, leadership positions within the department, and service during the pandemic at Women & Infants Hospital. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send Chief Connor a certified copy of the tribute, with no policy changes or obligations created for any other entity. It solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Rhode Island Senate.
Allows boats and marine assets to utilize the overweight oversize annual blanket permit that was in effect until 2022, and for the resumption of the prior practice of permitting for boats and marine asset transportation.
Prohibits a manufacturer from manufacturing, knowingly selling, offering for sale, distributing for sale or distributing for use in the state any firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally-added PFAS as of January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill protects state-authorized college savings accounts (529 plans) by exempting them from being seized by creditors through court-ordered attachments. It adds these accounts to the list of property already protected under state law, ensuring funds saved for education remain secure. The exemption applies to all 529 plans regardless of state, but does not cover funds subject to divorce or child support court orders. This change directly affects families using 529 programs, safeguarding their college savings during financial hardship.
Maddy summarySB 845 creates a voluntary tax deduction option on Rhode Island state income tax returns, allowing taxpayers to direct a portion of their refund to the Rhode Island Meals on Wheels Inc. Fund starting with tax year 2025. Taxpayers can choose to contribute by checking a box on their return, with contributions collected annually and deposited into the fund. The fund, managed by the state treasurer, will provide financial support exclusively for eligible individuals and families served by Meals on Wheels programs. This change does not alter tax rates or require contributions - it simply offers a new, optional way for residents to support meal delivery services for vulnerable community members.
