Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summarySB 2097 requires state agencies managing special accounts (like Medicaid funds, environmental programs, and veterans' benefits) to submit quarterly financial reports to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services starting October 1, 2026. It applies to most restricted receipt accounts but excludes specific funds such as the Rhode Island Statewide Opioid Abatement Account, HIV Care Grant Drug Rebates, and Veterans’ Home accounts. The bill aims to improve centralized oversight of state finances by standardizing reporting for these accounts. Agencies must comply unless federal law, court orders, or existing restrictions prevent it.

Maddy summarySB 2246 establishes a Rhode Island tax credit to help unpaid family caregivers offset out-of-pocket costs for caring for eligible relatives. It provides a 50% credit (up to $1,000 annually) for qualifying expenses like home modifications, medical equipment, hired aides, respite care, or adult day care, directly benefiting caregivers with household incomes under $50,000 ($100,000 for couples). To qualify, the caregiver must provide unpaid support for a relative aged 65+ or with Social Security Disability, who needs assistance with at least two daily living tasks (e.g., bathing, feeding) and resides with them in Rhode Island for six+ months. The credit applies to taxable years starting after December 31, 2026, and excludes costs covered by insurance or general home maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 4, 2026, as Rhode Island Independence Day to mark the 250th anniversary of the state's historic Act of Renunciation. The bill recognizes the General Assembly's 1776 decision to reject allegiance to the British Crown as a unique act of defiance that preceded the national Declaration of Independence. By passing this measure, the Senate directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor and the state's congressional delegation. The text serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of Rhode Island's role in the American Revolution rather than establishing new laws or changing government procedures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States and honors the contributions of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to YMCA leadership as a gesture of appreciation for their community work.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution condemns all forms of political violence and reaffirms the principles of civility and democratic governance in Rhode Island. It specifically denounces a recent attempted attack on President Donald J. Trump and calls on citizens and leaders to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue and the ballot box rather than intimidation. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this statement to the President and state congressional representatives, serving as a formal expression of the Senate's stance rather than a change in law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as "Out-of-School Time Month" in Rhode Island to honor the value of afterschool and summer programs for youth. The bill aims to raise awareness about how these programs support children's academic, social, and emotional development while acknowledging the dedicated professionals who run them. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association to celebrate their work.

Includes routine, scheduled or recommended immunizations to individuals between the ages of three (3) and eighteen (18) years, under the consent and reporting provisions required for pharmacy administered immunizations.

Authorizes pharmacists to order, perform and interpret CLIA-waived tests authorized by statewide protocol and prescribe medications, and permits coverage by all health insurance carriers.

Maddy summarySB 2251 eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing Chapter 44-22 of the General Laws, which previously imposed taxes on decedents' estates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents whose estates would have been subject to state estate tax upon death, removing their obligation to pay this tax. The key mechanism is the complete repeal of the existing estate tax code, including all tax rate brackets (ranging from 2% to 9%) and specific deductions outlined in the repealed chapter. As a result, estates passing through Rhode Island will no longer face state-level taxation on transfers following a death.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that all contracts for capital improvements at healthcare facilities comply with existing state laws ensuring contractors and subcontractors pay their employees. It directly affects construction companies, subcontractors, and healthcare facilities undertaking projects like construction, renovation, or demolition. The key provision mandates adherence to current wage and payment obligations without creating new rules, simply enforcing existing requirements for these specific projects. This measure ensures that workers on healthcare facility projects receive proper compensation as already required by law.