Sen. Jonathon Acosta

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that all contracts for capital improvements at healthcare facilities comply with existing state laws ensuring contractors and subcontractors pay their employees. It directly affects construction companies, subcontractors, and healthcare facilities undertaking projects like construction, renovation, or demolition. The key provision mandates adherence to current wage and payment obligations without creating new rules, simply enforcing existing requirements for these specific projects. This measure ensures that workers on healthcare facility projects receive proper compensation as already required by law.

Updates the description of the early intervention program and the agency responsible for the program under Part C of the federal Individuals with disabilities education act.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2624 discontinues Rhode Island's Jobs Development Act tax rate reductions by July 1, 2026. It ensures companies that qualified for rate reductions under the program before July 1, 2015, can maintain their existing rates through June 30, 2026, but no new rate reductions or credits will be authorized after June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects businesses participating in the state's qualified jobs tax incentive program. It ends future eligibility for the tax rate reductions while preserving existing benefits for qualifying companies. The law takes effect upon passage.

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.

Excludes nuclear power from the office of energy resources and division of public utilities from participation, procuring and entering into long-term contracts.

Raises the minimum fee per barrel of petroleum products or crude oil from five cents ($0.05) to twelve cents ($0.12) per barrel as part of the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee.

Limits how landlords use criminal history in rental decisions by delaying background checks until after a conditional offer has been made, restricting which records may be considered, banning discriminatory ads, and providing enforcement and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from the state treasury for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Rhode Island Food Bank. It directly supports the Food Bank’s 137 member agencies across Rhode Island, which serve communities facing heightened food insecurity. The resolution responds to rising demand (over 102,000 people using pantries in November 2025) and the loss of $9.5 million in federal SNAP benefits affecting up to 32,000 residents. The funds will be paid via state vouchers to the Food Bank as needed, supplementing reduced federal support. This is a funding measure, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally congratulates Sandra Berube on her retirement after 33 years of service to the Rhode Island State Senate. The document recognizes her long career, which includes roles as a Secretary, Administrative Assistant, and Legislative Grants Coordinator, highlighting her work supporting various agencies and nonprofits. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Berube as a gesture of appreciation for her contributions to the state.