Sen. Thomas Paolino

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, noting that Bristol hosts the oldest continuous Independence Day event in the United States. The bill specifically recognizes several 2026 honorees, including the event's general chairwoman, chief marshal, speakers, and representatives, for their leadership and service to the community. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to these individuals as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions.

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

Maddy summarySB 2022 repeals Rhode Island's minimum business corporation tax, which required corporations to pay at least $400 annually regardless of profits. This change directly affects corporations subject to Rhode Island's business tax, particularly those that would have owed the minimum amount under current law. The bill removes the $400 annual minimum tax provision (previously $450 for 2015-2016 tax years), meaning corporations will only pay tax based on their actual net income. The repeal takes effect upon the bill's passage.

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.

Maddy summarySB 2082 phases out Rhode Island's local 1% meals and beverage tax, which currently applies to food and drinks purchased at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. The tax will be reduced by 0.25% annually starting January 1, 2027, and will be completely eliminated by January 1, 2030. This change directly affects restaurants, bars, and consumers who pay the tax on meals and beverages. The bill modifies existing tax law to implement this gradual reduction through annual adjustments, with no further tax collected after 2029.

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.

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.

Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.