Sen. Brian Thompson

Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.

Increases the fines for certain traffic offenses to one hundred dollars ($100) and adds fines of one hundred dollars ($100) for offenses required by law but omitted from the schedule.

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Creates the joint committee of the repealer for a term of six (6) years to compile suggestions for repeal of certain statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

Redefines "Political Party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election among other factors.

Require that routine childhood and adult immunization vaccine recommendations that are developed from evidence based, medically sound scientific research by the department of health.

Maddy summarySB 2282 requires local election boards to provide clearer voter information for local ballot questions and early voting. It mandates posting and advertising ballot question details (including cost estimates for bond issues) in public locations, newspapers, or via mailed notices 25 days before elections, plus publishing the same information on municipal websites for 25 days. The bill also requires early voting dates, hours, and locations to be advertised in newspapers and maintained on websites with accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.0 AA). These changes directly affect local election boards and voters by standardizing how election information is delivered and ensuring accessibility.

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Maddy summarySB 2544 suspends the 4% gross earnings tax on electric utility companies and the 3% tax on gas utility companies until January 1, 2036. This directly affects electric and gas utility corporations operating in the state by removing these tax obligations for nearly a decade. The bill amends tax code provisions to halt these specific tax rates, which would otherwise apply to their gross earnings from electricity and gas services. The suspension begins January 1, 2027, and remains in effect through 2035.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2512) officially designates February 7-14, 2026, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the prevalence of congenital heart defects (affecting roughly 40,000 U.S. newborns annually) and urges residents to observe the week while acknowledging medical professionals working to improve outcomes. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it is a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and honor efforts in congenital heart defect research and treatment.