Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes definitions and a regulatory framework for public-private partnerships in state procurement, allowing state agencies to enter into long-term contracts with private entities for developing, financing, constructing, or maintaining public assets. The legislation requires agencies to conduct value-for-money analyses comparing partnership options against traditional methods and mandates competitive procurement processes with detailed evaluation criteria. Key provisions include requirements for prevailing wages, labor harmony plans, oversight responsibilities, and a study on project labor agreements for contracts exceeding $25 million, while maintaining state accountability for delegated functions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for crime victim compensation by allowing individuals who suffer serious bodily injury from hit-and-run incidents to apply for financial assistance through the state's compensation program. The amendment adds a specific provision to the existing list of qualifying offenses, ensuring that drivers who fail to stop after a collision resulting in serious injury or death are included in the categories eligible for compensation. The change directly affects victims of hit-and-run accidents who previously might not have qualified for aid under the current law, providing them with a potential source of financial support for medical and related expenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional legislative steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Rhode Island's state education department and high school sports league to create a statewide anti-hazing policy for student athletics. It mandates clear definitions of hazing, zero-tolerance sanctions (including team suspensions or season cancellations), and education components to prevent hazing. All schools in the state participating in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League must follow this policy, which also requires student-athletes to sign an acknowledgment of the rules before joining teams. The policy explicitly states that consent is never a defense for hazing and ensures consistent discipline across all schools. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2453 allows cities and towns to create programs waiving interest on overdue property taxes for commercial properties. To qualify, taxpayers must own the commercial property for five years, provide written proof of timely tax payments for five years, and request the waiver within two years of the overdue bill. The waiver is capped at $500 per request, and local tax collectors must issue written decisions with appeal options to city councils. This bill enables local governments to adopt ordinances implementing this relief, directly affecting commercial property owners who fall behind on quarterly tax payments.

Incorporates cable, broadband, Internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Permits the implementation of a system of electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles, by the DMV and requires that rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter, be promulgated by the administrator of the DMV.

Authorizes the use of campaign funds for security related expenses, including home and office security systems and ongoing monitoring, in response to threats arising from their public service or candidacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Charlie's Oil Co., Inc. to regain its corporate charter if it fulfills specific financial and reporting requirements by December 31, 2026. To restore its legal status, the company must file all overdue tax returns, pay any owed taxes, and submit required state reports along with associated fees. Once these conditions are met and verified by the tax administrator, the revocation of the company's charter will be officially cancelled. If passed, the corporation will immediately regain all its rights and privileges as if the revocation never occurred.

Amends the Rhode Island works program to increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.