Removes the sunset provision of the Rhode Island hope pilot scholarship program, making it a permanent scholarship program and renames the program as the Rhode Island hope scholarship program.
Adds "media literacy" to the standards currently taught in civic education for K-12, which are the history of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship and the principles of democracy.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution from Rhode Island formally condemns assaults on police officers in New York during a recent blizzard and expresses support for law enforcement personnel. It urges New York City officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and pursue accountability for those responsible. The resolution authorizes the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to the New York City Mayor and Police Department.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the culture and heritage of Taíno descendants living in Rhode Island, acknowledging their historical and ongoing contributions to the state's diverse cultural fabric. The resolution highlights the presence of several Taíno tribal communities in the state and affirms their role in cultural preservation, education, and community engagement. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Taíno community representatives, serving as an official acknowledgment rather than a law with enforceable mandates.
Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.
Amends unfair claims practices law by requiring an insurance appraisal by a licensed appraiser where damage to a motor vehicle exceeds $5,000 (from $2,500) and eliminates language that prohibits an appraisal based on photos of a damaged motor vehicle.
Maddy summarySR 2377 is a joint resolution appropriating $200,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support the Rhode Island Free Clinic. This funding directly helps the clinic provide free medical care and preventive services to uninsured adults who cannot afford healthcare, while also supporting its role as a training site for healthcare students. The resolution authorizes the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation, ensuring the clinic can continue its mission of serving vulnerable residents. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.
Makes changes to the access to public records act, including clarifying various provisions, increasing the sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the law, and making certain traffic accident data and preferred license plate information public.
Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.
Maddy summarySB 2229 requires all Rhode Island school buildings to meet "zero energy capable" standards by December 31, 2037, meaning they must generate as much renewable energy as they consume annually. The Department of Education must develop regulations by June 30, 2027, to implement these standards, which align with the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) guidelines. The bill ensures local school districts can access state/federal funding for energy projects without penalties or reduced housing aid, and provides guidance for using federal tax incentives for solar installations. This applies to all new school construction and major renovations, directly affecting public schools across Rhode Island.
