Sen. Meghan Kallman

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Rhode Island Governor to order an analysis of why the state's Veterans Home in Bristol cannot hire enough staff to operate at full capacity. The requested study will examine specific issues such as wages, shift pay, housing, and career opportunities to understand the root causes of the staffing shortage. Based on the findings, the Governor must create a plan to reach full occupancy and include those recommendations in the upcoming state budget. This measure directly affects the Veterans Home, the state's Department of Administration, and the budget process for the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

Requires annual inspections of those assisted living residences which contain units licensed to treat residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2027, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 28, 2026, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" throughout Rhode Island. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to patient care and public health within the state. By declaring this specific date, the resolution encourages citizens and healthcare organizations to participate in events that highlight the role of pharmacy professionals in shaping healthcare policy. Additionally, the Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Provides that a portion of state income taxes from employees working at not-for-profit healthcare institutions, health service institutions, and educational institutions be allocated to the city of Providence.

Permits RI Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with RI Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to appoint members of JNC and requires judicial candidates to disclose political donations.

Requires that the chief judge of the family court in appointing magistrates do so in accordance with the judicial selection and nomination process set forth in chapter 16.1 of title 8.

Requires the JNC to establish standardized merit-based selection process and that applications be evaluated according to uniform, job-related criteria adopted in advance and published on the commission's website.

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.

Maddy summarySR 2679 authorizes the City of Pawtucket to issue up to $22.5 million in bonds, notes, or other debt instruments to fund renovations, repairs, or construction of Samuel Slater Middle School facilities or a new middle school. This includes costs for design, demolition, athletic fields, landscaping, and parking. The bill directly affects Pawtucket's public school system by providing a financing mechanism for school infrastructure improvements. It is a procedural authorization, not a substantive policy change, and remains pending in the Senate Finance Committee.