Reinstates general revenue sharing of state aid among the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The initial amount is based upon population, and increased annually thereafter based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers.
Establishes a revolving fund to assist first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase a home in Rhode Island by issuing grants of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000).
Maddy summarySB 2577 allows the town of Portsmouth to adopt, repeal, or modify its local tax classification plan for any tax year beginning on or after December 31, 2026. This change gives Portsmouth flexibility in structuring how different property types (like homes, businesses, and personal property) are taxed relative to each other, while still adhering to existing statewide rate limits between tax classes. The bill directly affects Portsmouth property owners and businesses by altering how their local taxes are calculated under the town's chosen classification system. It does not change tax rates themselves but modifies Portsmouth's authority to adjust its tax structure within current legal constraints.
Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.
Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.
Appropriates two million seven hundred thousand dollars ($2,700,000) to fund the primary care training sites program to provide training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants within the department of health.
Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2465) urges the U.S. Congress to protect Medicare beneficiaries and traditional Medicare from issues with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It highlights that 54% of Medicare enrollees are in MA plans, which often cost more when serious illness occurs, have narrower provider networks, and use practices like "cherry-picking" healthy enrollees to boost profits. The resolution specifically calls for federal action requiring MA transparency, stricter marketing rules, and banning profit-driven tactics such as upcoding or denying necessary care. It directly affects all Medicare beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups disproportionately enrolled in MA plans.
Maddy summarySB 2447 creates a tax credit for businesses and organizations that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe to eat but not sold due to appearance or other factors) to nonprofits serving the needy. Eligible taxpayers - including restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals - can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 per year. To qualify, donations must go to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide food to people in need, and nonprofits must provide a certificate confirming the donation meets safety standards. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of state law and takes effect January 1, 2027.
