Sen. Meghan Kallman

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 2252) is a joint resolution appropriating $75,000 from the state treasury to Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds will support JCS’s existing programs providing culturally specific services, including food assistance (like Rhode Island’s only kosher pantry), senior meals, housing support, and resources for underserved groups such as low-income families, immigrants, seniors, and people with disabilities. The resolution directly affects JCS, which serves all Rhode Islanders in need regardless of religion, and aims to sustain their community-wide support services. This is a funding allocation, not a new policy, with no additional requirements or changes to existing laws.

Enacts the RI individual market affordability act of 2026 to establish a program to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in individual health insurance coverage through the RI health benefits exchange.

Prohibits state and municipal officials or body from entering into and renewing any agreements that will be used to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations.

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.

Imposes a tax equal to four percent (4%) on net investment income, such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains and rental income, of high-income households, estates and trusts, based upon federal guidelines.

Creates the child-serving provider liability joint underwriting association to provide a joint underwriting association to provide liability insurance coverage for eligible child serving providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands temporary disability insurance coverage in Rhode Island to include state employees, effective January 1, 2027. The legislation amends existing state laws to define state workers as eligible employees under the temporary disability insurance program, allowing them to receive benefits when unable to work due to sickness. Key provisions update definitions for terms like "employee" and "employment" to explicitly include service performed for the State of Rhode Island across all departments and agencies. The bill also clarifies how benefit calculations are determined for various groups, including military service members who return to civilian state employment.

Maddy summarySB 2531 prohibits the construction and operation of new plastic waste conversion facilities in Rhode Island by banning permits for such projects. The bill specifically targets facilities marketed as "chemical," "advanced," or "molecular" recycling (including those using gasification, pyrolysis, or depolymerization) that process plastic waste into fuels or chemicals. It defines these facilities broadly, regardless of their marketing claims or claimed efficiency, and states they disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color due to toxic emissions and environmental risks. The law applies immediately upon passage, preventing new facilities from obtaining state approvals while acknowledging existing operations.

Prohibits employers from seeking/using credit reports in making hiring decisions concerning prospective employees, asking questions about the applicant's financial past during interviews or including credit history questions in their job applications.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Jewish American Heritage Month" throughout Rhode Island to honor the community's historical and ongoing contributions to the state. The bill highlights Jewish Americans' roles in Rhode Island's economy, culture, education, military service, and healthcare while promoting unity and combating prejudice. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to relevant community leaders and organizations to facilitate observance. This measure is symbolic and does not alter laws or create new government programs.