Sen. Thomas Paolino

Provides that a school district could elect and choose to not spend money on any mandate that is not fully funded through the state education aid formula.

Maddy summarySB 416 phases out Rhode Island's 1% local meals and beverage tax by gradually reducing it 0.25% annually starting in 2026, eliminating the tax entirely by January 1, 2029. The bill directly affects restaurants, bars, and other eating establishments that currently collect this tax on meals and beverages sold for immediate consumption. Key provisions include annual tax reductions beginning January 1, 2026, with the tax fully expiring on January 1, 2029. This change will end local revenue from this tax source for cities and towns that previously received quarterly distributions. The bill takes effect upon passage but is currently under further study in committee.

Maddy summarySB 433 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual audits of all state agencies to evaluate how effectively and efficiently they operate, including checking compliance with laws on equal employment and minority business requirements. These audits will review agency programs, financial practices, and spending of public funds, with findings reported to the legislature. Agencies that fail to meet audit standards must be reported to the governor and top legislative leaders by January 1 each year. This bill directly affects all state agencies, including those managing education, public services, and other government operations.

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Mandates that any surplus state tax revenue received in any fiscal year would be refunded to the taxpayers of this state on a proportional basis in relation to the personal income tax liability incurred by the taxpayers in that fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 187 increases Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $4 million for estates of people who die on or after January 1, 2026. This means most estates valued below $4 million will no longer owe state estate tax under this provision. The bill sets a new threshold that replaces previous lower exemptions (like $850,000 for 2010-2015 deaths) and includes future annual adjustments for inflation starting in 2027. It directly affects residents and nonresidents with estates exceeding $4 million at death after 2025.

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

Prohibits total education aid paid to any local education agency from being reduced by more than one percent (1%) of the municipal education appropriation in the previous fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" in Rhode Island to raise public awareness about communication disorders. It urges the Department of Human Services to conduct hearing screenings and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to encourage schools and professionals to participate in awareness activities. The resolution is symbolic and does not create new laws or funding.

Amends the public law incorporating Western Coventry Fire District to require a referendum & affirmative vote of the fire district electors prior to any merge/consolidation of the district with any other district or with the fire department of Coventry.