Requires that the governor submit a zero-based budget to the general assembly with the zero-based budget phased in over a five (5) year period, commencing with the fiscal budget year of July 1, 2027.
Maddy summarySB 2235 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual performance audits of all state agencies starting January 1, 2027. These audits will examine how effectively and efficiently agencies operate, whether they comply with laws, and if public funds are properly spent. The auditor general must report findings to the legislature and executive branch, including any agency failing to meet audit standards. This directly affects all state agencies, from departments to boards, by mandating regular reviews of their operations and financial management. The bill aims to improve accountability in government spending without changing existing agency responsibilities.
Maddy summarySB 2530 requires all No. 2 distillate heating oil sold in the state for residential, commercial, or industrial use to contain increasing minimum percentages of bio-based products over time. It directly affects heating oil sellers and distributors, mandating specific compliance dates: starting at 2% in 2014, rising to 5% by 2021, and reaching 50% by 2035. The bill sets a phased schedule with annual or biennial increases, requiring adherence to B5, B10, B20, and B50 biodiesel blend standards by specified dates. This establishes concrete, time-bound requirements for heating oil composition without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.
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 bill appropriates $30 million ($100,000 per school) to Rhode Island's public schools for safety and security improvements. It directly affects all 300+ public schools in the state by funding specific upgrades like access control systems, audio-visual equipment, and communication technology. The resolution authorizes the state controller to distribute these funds from capital construction funds in the 2026-2027 budget. It does not create new requirements but allocates existing resources for targeted safety enhancements. The funding is intended to address school safety needs following national trends in school security.
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 2545 adds the positions of administrator of community confinement and home confinement coordinator to the state retirement system. This change means employees in these correctional roles will now qualify for retirement benefits previously available only to other state correctional staff. The bill amends existing retirement law to explicitly include these two job titles in the eligibility list. The change takes effect upon the bill's passage and does not alter retirement rules for other positions.
Allows the dismissal of a teacher after the March 1 deadline if there is gross misconduct by a teacher upon a student. This act would allow the notice to be given at any time and will not have time constraints.
Maddy summarySB 2167 increases the maximum number of days retired municipal employees in towns and cities can work in a calendar year without losing pension benefits, raising the limit to 90 days. This directly affects current retirees employed by local governments who wish to return to part-time work. The key provision replaces the previous work limit with a new 90-day annual cap for maintaining full pension payments. The bill applies specifically to municipal retirement systems covering employees of incorporated towns and cities.
Maddy summarySB 2319 requires all public meetings involving collective bargaining agreements for school teachers to be open to the public. This overrides the standard exception allowing closed meetings for collective bargaining discussions, as specified in Section 1(e) of the bill. The law directly affects public school districts, school committees, and teachers' unions during contract negotiations. It takes effect immediately upon passage, ensuring transparency in school employment negotiations.
