Permits Smithfield to require 2 parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking is available near these units.
Redefines what constitutes a farm by reducing the amount of revenue from farm products required to be sold from $10,000 to $2500. It also expands the farm to include all agricultural operations, including forestry.
Expands the obligations of employers to create, maintain and retain their employees' personnel records, it requires that records be retained for at least 3 years after employee's termination. It also increases the financial penalties for each violation.
Maddy summarySB 2078, the School Libraries Act, requires every public school in Rhode Island (including traditional schools, charters, and vocational schools) to have a permanent library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates that schools with 250+ students have a full-time librarian by 2027 (high schools), 2029 (middle/high schools), and 2031 (all K-12), while smaller schools must have at least half-time coverage. The bill specifies that libraries must include adequate book collections, student study space, technology, and daily student access, with librarians available during open library time. It also defines key terms like "information literacy" and "media literacy" to guide implementation. The law would take effect upon passage.
Maddy summarySB 2390 reclassifies certain gift card fraud offenses as theft (larceny), directly affecting gift card holders and those who commit fraud against them. It makes it a crime to steal or alter gift cards or their redemption information with intent to defraud, imposing fines up to $1,000 or one year in jail for amounts under $1,500. For offenses exceeding $1,500 or recurring within six months, standard larceny penalties apply. The bill defines key terms like "cardholder" and "forgery" to clarify these offenses. This changes penalties from civil fines to criminal charges for significant fraud.
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.
Authorizes the town of Johnston, if an aggregate of two hundred fifty (250) or more units should be proposed in comprehensive permit project(s), to enact an emergency moratorium until the permit requirement of § 45-53-4 are amended.
Maddy summarySB 2699 would give the town of Johnston authority to set density bonuses (incentives for denser development) based on its existing zoning rules. This bill specifically affects Johnston's local planning decisions by allowing the town to tailor these incentives to its current zoning framework. It does not apply to other municipalities or change broader state zoning laws. The bill is currently in the introduction stage, referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government committee.
Allows the town of Johnston to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.
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.
