Sen. Ryan Pearson

Maddy summarySB 2227 amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to clarify how withdrawals from the state's tuition savings program are treated for tax purposes. Specifically, it modifies the calculation of taxable income for nonqualified withdrawals (those not used for eligible education expenses) by adding back certain amounts to federal adjusted gross income. This affects residents who use Rhode Island's tuition savings program (§ 16-57-6.1) and make nonqualified withdrawals. The bill does not address foreign service pensions as mentioned in the abstract; the actual provisions focus solely on tuition savings program tax treatment. The changes apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2020.

Requires the state investment commission to create a capital access initiative to expand potential investment opportunities for the state’s pension fund and engage qualified but traditionally underrepresented investment managers.

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.

Establishes the Rhode Island education funding and accountability act, which would include a totally revised and revamped formula for funding all levels of public education in Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySB 2248 creates a new income-based discount program for low-income households to make home energy costs affordable. It requires large electric and gas utilities (over 100,000 customers) to design a tiered discount plan by 2027, capping energy costs at 3-6% of household income depending on whether electric or gas is the primary heat source. Eligible households (at or below 150% of the federal poverty level) would receive fixed monthly discounts, with past bill arrears forgiven over 24 months. The program’s costs, including administration, would be covered through rate increases for other utility customers, as determined by the Public Utilities Commission.

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 summaryThis bill allows the Cumberland Lodge #14 of the Fraternal Order of Police to regain its legal charter after it failed to file required annual reports for many years. To restore its status, the organization must submit all overdue reports by December 31, 2026, and pay the associated filing fees along with a penalty amount determined by the Attorney General. Once these conditions are met, the group will be treated as if the charter forfeiture never occurred, regaining all its rights and privileges. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.

Provides that in local education agencies when over 45% of the children have a family income that is at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines, then the student success factor will be 50% by the core instruction per-pupil amount.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to remove a funding requirement from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It establishes specific funding categories for special education costs, career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation expenses for students attending out-of-district non-public schools or within regional school districts. The legislation also creates stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center to address local capacity concerns and high school operating costs, while providing temporary bonuses to regionalized school districts. Additionally, it defines and provides state support for school resource officers who complete specialized training in school policing.