Sen. Meghan Kallman

Maddy summarySR 1081 is a Senate Resolution that extends the deepest condolences and sympathy from the State of Rhode Island Senate to the family and friends of the Honorable Robert G. Salisbury upon his passing. The resolution acknowledges his life of service, including his time as a Central Falls firefighter and a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Maddy summarySB 448, known as "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," amends existing law to outline various categorical programs eligible for direct state funding. The bill provides state funds for excess costs associated with special education students and student transportation for both out-of-district non-public schools and within regional school districts. It also allocates funding for career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, and

Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.

Maddy summarySB 185 mandates large electric and gas utility companies (over 100,000 customers) to establish an income-sensitive tiered payment program for residential customers whose household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. This program aims to make home energy costs more affordable by ensuring eligible households pay no more than a fixed percentage of their income for utilities. It includes fixed monthly payments and a 24-month plan for forgiving prior unpaid bills. The costs of these discounts and related administration will be covered by all other utility customers through adjustments to their rates, as determined by the Public Utilities Commission.

Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.

Maddy summarySB 261 proposes to exempt specific types of batteries from sales tax. It removes the sales tax on "behind-the-meter batteries" that are interconnected with a solar photovoltaic system. This means that individuals or businesses purchasing these particular batteries for solar energy storage would no longer pay sales tax on them. The bill amends the state's existing sales and use tax laws by adding this exemption to the list of items not subject to sales and use taxes.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1079 designates May 12-18, 2025, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It supports global efforts to raise awareness about the need for accessible and affordable period products, break the stigma of menstruation, and advocate for related policy and funding.

CRMC) FOR FUNDING OF URI'S COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER (CRC) STORMTOOLS, CHAMP ANALYSIS, AND MYCOAST (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $400,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council for the continuation of STORMTOOLS, CHAMP, and MyCoast.

Permits a tenant, at the tenant’s expense, to implement energy conservation measures to any dwelling or dwelling unit such as removable weather-stripping around doors and windows.