Redefines what constitutes a farm by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from $10,000 to $2500. It also expands the farm to include all agricultural operations, including forestry.
Provides that the school year for all public schools, including traditional public and public charter schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies, would start on the same date of each calendar year.
Commencing July 1, 2026, this act eliminates the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.
Maddy summarySB 2078, the School Libraries Act, requires every public school in Rhode Island (including traditional schools, charters, and vocational schools) to have a permanent library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates that schools with 250+ students have a full-time librarian by 2027 (high schools), 2029 (middle/high schools), and 2031 (all K-12), while smaller schools must have at least half-time coverage. The bill specifies that libraries must include adequate book collections, student study space, technology, and daily student access, with librarians available during open library time. It also defines key terms like "information literacy" and "media literacy" to guide implementation. The law would take effect upon passage.
Establishes the commuter transportation benefit chapter. Employers with five hundred (500) or more employees required to establish a pre-tax commuter transportation fringe benefit program.
Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.
Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community for mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.
Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.
Requires specific notice of the tax sale to the taxpayer with a copy of this § 44-9-10 attached thereto. Failure to do so would render the tax sale null and void.
Requires that any covered entity that develops/provides online services, products, or features that children are reasonably likely to access shall consider the best interest of children when designing/developing such online service, product, or feature.
