Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summarySB 844 exempts all real and tangible personal property owned by Friends of Little Compton Wellness Center, Inc. from local property taxes. The bill amends Rhode Island’s property tax exemption list to specifically include this nonprofit organization’s property. This change directly affects the organization by removing its property tax burden for buildings, equipment, and other assets used in its operations. The exemption applies to all property held by the organization for its wellness center activities, as defined in the amended tax code. This is a targeted tax exemption, not a broad policy change.

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Tiverton on November 5, 2024.

Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 667) requests $1,100,000 in state funds specifically for higher quality infant and toddler early care and education programs. The funds would be allocated to the Department of Human Services to sustain and expand access to these services. The bill directly affects infants and toddlers in early childhood programs by providing dedicated funding for program quality and availability. It is a funding resolution, not a policy change, and does not alter existing program structures.

Maddy summarySB 1001 prohibits state agencies from entering software contracts that restrict their ability to install or run software on their chosen hardware. This affects all state agencies purchasing software with public funds, including contracts for licenses, leases, and service agreements. The bill requires that software contracts must allow agencies to use their preferred desktop or server hardware without vendor-imposed limitations. It applies to all software purchases paid for with state funds, ensuring agencies maintain control over their technology infrastructure.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island executive office of health and human services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.

Provides $4,000,000 to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, school vacation, summer learning and workforce development programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12).

Authorizes the office of postsecondary commissioner to expand bilingual and dual language teacher certificates in urban schools through two scholarship programs for students and teachers, with eligibility requirements and donations.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Requires EOHHS to establish a 1-year pilot program for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries and produce for peoples with diet-related diseases or food insecurity, and other interventions where there is a clinical need.