Sen. Val Lawson

Prohibits bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents from engaging in civil immigration enforcement, define such conduct as unprofessional, and subject violators to professional discipline under Rhode Island law.

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 summarySB 2026 amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to allow residents to subtract contributions to the state's tuition savings program from their federal adjusted gross income. This deduction is capped at $500 per individual or $1,000 for joint filers, and only applies to contributions made directly by the account participant. The bill specifically excludes transfers, rollovers, or changes of beneficiary from counting toward this deduction. It directly affects Rhode Island residents who contribute to the state's tuition savings program (Section 16-57-6.1), providing a limited tax benefit for education savings. The policy change would take effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 2238 creates a new 3% tax rate on Rhode Island taxable income exceeding $640,000 (in 2026 dollars) for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This additional tax applies only to high-income earners - specifically, individuals with taxable income above this threshold - and does not affect prior tax years. The bill does not change existing tax rates for lower income levels, targeting only the highest earners in the state. It is a concrete policy change that increases tax liability for a specific income bracket starting in 2027.

Permits a nurse who has the appropriate knowledge, credentials and clinical competency, to provide home services foot care, which includes routine foot and nail care, as well as implementing a plan of care that includes hygiene and fingernails.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April as "Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages history and social science teachers to include lessons about past and ongoing genocides in their classrooms to promote understanding and prevent future atrocities. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this proclamation to the Commissioner of Education and the state's Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and career of Davey Lopes, a legendary baseball player and native of Rhode Island who recently passed away. The bill formally expresses the state's condolences and acknowledges his achievements, including his record-breaking base-stealing success and leadership as a Dodgers infielder and later manager. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Lopes's family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 16, 2026, as "Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Recognition Day" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure directly affects the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association by formally acknowledging its contributions to the state's manufacturing sector. Upon passage, the Secretary of State must transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the association.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors family medicine physicians in Rhode Island for their dedication to patient care and advocacy. It formally recognizes their role in improving health outcomes and addresses policymakers on their behalf during Advocacy Day on April 16, 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians to acknowledge their contributions.