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).
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.
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 Senate resolution formally recognizes the Manissean Tribal Natives of Block Island and honors their ancestors and descendants. It acknowledges the tribe's long history on the island, noting their significant population decline over time and their traditional lifestyle of fishing, hunting, and farming. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the current President of the Manissean Tribe. This measure serves as a symbolic gesture to support the preservation of the tribe's culture and historical sites rather than enacting new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Rhode Island New Qualified Jobs Incentive Act 2015, sets a final end date for tax rate reductions provided under the state's Jobs Development Act. Specifically, it mandates that no new tax credits will be reserved for companies after June 30, 2024, and all existing rate reductions must stop by July 1, 2024. While the bill stops future incentives, it allows companies that qualified for these tax breaks before July 1, 2015, to keep their current rates as long as they continue to meet the original requirements. Essentially, the legislation ensures that the special tax benefits for job creation in Rhode Island will not extend beyond the year 2024.
Maddy summarySB 2366 establishes a new subsidy program designed to help low-income households afford their home energy bills. The law requires large electric and gas utilities to create a tiered payment plan that caps utility costs at a specific percentage of a customer's income, with discounts applied to both monthly bills and past owed amounts. Eligible households are defined as those earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level, and the program's cost will be covered by rate adjustments for all other customers. The Public Utilities Commission will oversee the creation and approval of these plans, ensuring they balance affordability for low-income families with reasonable administrative expenses.
Allows victims of violent crime receiving awards under the state's crime victim compensation program to use up to $1,000 of their total award to make reasonable modification to their residence to ensure their future safety.
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.
Maddy summarySB 2057, known as the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, amends state law to provide ongoing financial support for specific school programs and districts. The bill establishes a permanent two percent bonus for regionalized school districts and creates a stabilization fund to assist the Central Falls, Davies, and Met Center areas with high education costs. Additionally, it directs state funding toward special education expenses, career and technical education initiatives, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation for students attending non-public or regional schools. The legislation also allocates extra resources for English learners based on a specific per-pupil factor. These changes aim to ensure equitable funding distribution and address unique financial challenges faced by various school districts and student populations.
Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to present to the general assembly a plan for the realignment of state hospitals into a department of hospitals no later than September 1, 2024.
