Eliminates the sunset on the provision of funding, modify eligibility requirement to 85% of state median income and expand funding to at least 20 hours per week.
Maddy summarySB 2364 raises Rhode Island's earned-income tax credit (EITC) percentage from its current rate to 30% for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This change directly benefits low-to-moderate income workers and families who qualify for the EITC, particularly those with children. The bill amends Section 44-30-2.6 of Rhode Island's tax code to implement this increase, which will reduce the tax burden for eligible filers. The adjustment applies to the credit amount calculated based on federal income tax returns, not to overall tax rates. This policy change is effective starting in 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state procurement rules to allow the state to purchase food and food supplies worth less than $25,000 in total under existing small purchase regulations. It directly affects state agencies responsible for procuring food items by adjusting the monetary threshold for these transactions. The key provision permits smaller aggregate purchases without requiring additional approval processes, streamlining how the state acquires food supplies. This change applies specifically to state purchases and does not alter broader procurement laws for other types of goods or services.
Maddy summarySB 2563 mandates an independent study by Rhode Island's auditor general to evaluate whether consolidating Medicaid prescription drug management would save costs and improve transparency. The study must compare four models used by other states, including single statewide drug lists (like Connecticut) or direct state contracting (like Kentucky), and assess impacts on state spending, pharmacy rebates, and beneficiary access. It requires full data access from pharmacy benefit managers and related entities - bypassing contractual confidentiality - to ensure the analysis uses complete information on drug expenditures and rebates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island's Medicaid program, which covers children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, by setting the stage for potential future changes to drug management.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as "National Women's Health Month" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure highlights the importance of proactive healthcare, early disease detection, and lifestyle habits for women of all ages. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Governor and the Department of Health to formalize the observance.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its work in supporting Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state. The bill highlights the organization's achievements, such as assisting over 3,500 businesses and creating more than 500 jobs through various support programs like workshops and financial guidance. It formally congratulates the chamber's leadership and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's founder, Oscar Mejias. This measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than enacting new laws or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 21, 2026, as Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Day in Rhode Island. The bill highlights the condition, which affects over 50,000 Americans and causes symptoms like changes in behavior, language, and movement. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the chair of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to promote awareness.
Allows a party to condition a transaction by electronic means on their stated desire to obtain and receive a written copy of the document in English or Spanish before electronic execution of the agreement or performance is required of the party.
Maddy summarySB 2448 creates a dedicated performance audit division within Rhode Island's Office of the Auditor General (OAG). This division will evaluate how efficiently and effectively state agencies and contractors using public funds operate, focusing on program outcomes rather than financial transactions. The bill requires the OAG to hire at least five full-time staff for this work, develop annual audit plans prioritizing high-impact areas like Medicaid and IT systems, and publish public reports starting in 2027. State agencies must then submit corrective action plans within 60 days of receiving audit findings, with the OAG monitoring compliance and reporting to lawmakers.
Maddy summarySB 2449 proposes to exempt energy storage systems from sales and use taxes in the state, as defined in § 39-33-1. This change would directly affect businesses selling these systems, as they would no longer collect sales tax on such transactions. The bill amends existing tax law by adding a new exemption category under "Gross receipts exempt from sales and use taxes." The exemption covers the sale and use of energy storage systems within the state, aligning with existing tax exemptions for items like newspapers and school meals. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
