Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summarySB 2392 requires school departments to make GPS data about the real-time location and speed of school buses available electronically to parents or guardians of students transported by those buses. This directly affects families whose children ride school buses, allowing them to track bus movements during transportation. The bill mandates that all new school buses (starting July 1, 2027) and all school buses (by July 1, 2032) must include this GPS data capability alongside video monitoring systems. The law ensures this data access complies with privacy laws and does not interfere with law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England for their long-standing work in empowering girls through leadership and community service. The bill formally expresses gratitude to the organization and its volunteers for their contributions to youth development and environmental stewardship in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Dana Borrelli-Murray, as a gesture of appreciation.

Proposes a bond measure to authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue up to $36,000,000 in bonds, subject to voter approval, to support the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit program to encourage investments in small Rhode Island businesses with 99 or fewer employees. Under the new Rhode Island Local Investment Tax Credit Act, eligible taxpayers who invest in qualifying local businesses could receive a 50% tax credit, up to a maximum of $3,000 per business and $3,000 total per year. To qualify, the business must be headquartered in Rhode Island, derive at least 80% of its revenue from state operations, and hold at least 80% of its assets within the state. The state would annually appropriate funds from the general fund to offset any revenue loss from the tax credits, and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Strategic Fund would manage the certification process for eligible investments.

Provides modifications for payments of interest on student loans shall be subtracted from federal adjusted gross income to an amount equal to the payments of interest for the satisfaction of outstanding student loans.

Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on land they own provided at least 50 % of the housing to be developed is low- or moderate-income housing and the land is owned or held in trust by the faith-based organizations.

Maddy summarySB 2372 eliminates the sales tax on taxi services (including limousines and ride-hailing services) and pet care services (like grooming or boarding) in Rhode Island. This change directly affects businesses providing these services, removing their obligation to collect and remit sales tax on those specific offerings. The bill amends tax definitions to explicitly exclude these services from the list of taxable activities under Rhode Island's sales tax code. The policy change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Establishes the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026, to establish permanent statewide support for maternal health and to implement the maternal health strategic plan improving maternal health care and access.

Maddy summarySB 2364 raises Rhode Island's earned-income tax credit (EITC) percentage from its current rate to 30% for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This change directly benefits low-to-moderate income workers and families who qualify for the EITC, particularly those with children. The bill amends Section 44-30-2.6 of Rhode Island's tax code to implement this increase, which will reduce the tax burden for eligible filers. The adjustment applies to the credit amount calculated based on federal income tax returns, not to overall tax rates. This policy change is effective starting in 2027.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $15,200,000 to cities and towns to purchase firefighter and rescue personnel protective gear which is PFAS free.