Sen. Thomas Paolino

Maddy summarySB 2407 would extend the maximum term of employment for school superintendents in Rhode Island from three to five years. This change directly affects school committees, which hire and set terms for superintendents, by allowing them to establish longer contracts. The bill amends Section 16-2-9(12) of state education law to update the term limit from three years to five years. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.

Maddy summarySB 2296 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways by loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, kneeling) in ways that could interfere with vehicle movement. It sets mandatory prison sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days mandatory), 3-5 years for a second, 5-10 years for a third, and 5-30 years if death results. The law explicitly excludes lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes from this offense. It affects anyone who obstructs highway traffic in the specified manner, with penalties starting at one year in prison.

Maddy summarySB 2042 requires the state to handle all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, except for snow and ice removal, which remains the responsibility of local entities. This bill directly affects state highway sidewalks by shifting the primary maintenance duty from local municipalities to the state government. The key provision amends existing laws to explicitly state that the state, not towns or cities, must maintain sidewalks (excluding snow/ice clearing). The bill takes effect upon passage and does not change sidewalk construction requirements, which still require state approval.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 7, 2026, as the "National Day of Prayer" within the State of Rhode Island. It encourages all residents to observe this day by setting aside time for personal prayer according to their own faith traditions. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state coordinators of the National Day of Prayer.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Rhode Island State Senate's condolences for the passing of Arthur Paiva, a veteran and community leader. The document honors his life by detailing his service in the Korean War and Air Force, his long career as a mail carrier, and his extensive volunteer work in organizations like the Knights of Columbus. It also recognizes his significant contributions to healthcare, including bringing dialysis machines to the region and donating bone marrow to save his brother's life. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Paiva's children, including former State Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax deferral program for senior citizens aged 62 and older, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans in Rhode Island. It allows eligible homeowners to postpone paying property taxes on their single-family dwellings until they sell the property, pass away, or transfer ownership, with the unpaid taxes becoming a lien on the property that accrues 6% annual interest. The program excludes homes with reverse mortgages or less than 20% equity, requires applicants to file claims in good faith, and allocates $2 million annually starting in 2027 to fund the deferred tax payments.

Establishes the first-time home buyer savings program act. Allows modifications to federal adjusted gross income for $50,000 in contributions and $150,000 of interest and dividends included in federal adjusted gross income.

Establishes a revolving fund to assist first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase a home in Rhode Island by issuing grants of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000).

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States and honors the contributions of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to YMCA leadership as a gesture of appreciation for their community work.