Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summarySB 449 mandates a re-amortization of the state pension fund, beginning with fiscal year 2026. This means the state will recalculate the payment schedule for its pension fund's outstanding liabilities. The change directly affects the determination of the employer contribution rate paid by the State of Rhode Island into the retirement system for public officers and employees. It amends the section of law that outlines the actuarial cost method used for these contributions and benefits.

Maddy summarySB 556 amends the state's definition of "aggressive driving" by adding five new driving violations to the existing list. Under current law, aggressive driving is defined as committing two or more specific violations while operating a motor vehicle. This bill expands that list to include offenses such as failing to obey police officers, specific rules for overtaking on the left, ensuring clearance while overtaking, prohibitions on overtaking in certain places, and rules for driving on laned roadways. This change directly affects motorists by broadening the range of actions that can lead to an aggressive driving charge.

Requires persons convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test, to have an ignition interlock system installed in vehicle as part of sentence and to pay an assessment to pay for the systems for indigent defendants.

Allows any peace officer working in a Rhode Island school as a full or part-time resource officer to work in excess of the seventy-five (75) working days in a calendar year, and not have an interruption in their benefits.

Maddy summarySB 946 makes it unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen to possess a firearm. However, the bill outlines specific exceptions where minors are permitted to possess or use firearms. These exceptions include participation in supervised activities such as lawful hunting, competitive shooting, or firearms education programs, and use at approved camps or rifle ranges when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult. Minors may also transport an unloaded firearm in a suitable case to and from these locations when accompanied by an adult.

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.

Amends the section of law relative to violations for driving after denial, revocation or suspension of a license and expands the list of offenses for which an unlicensed motorist would be in violation.

Ends difference between teachers retired before or after June 30, 2012 for pension adjustments and difference between COLA adjustments between state and municipal pensions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 140 amends state law regarding the Corrections Department to modify probation sentences. It specifically prohibits individuals serving a probationary period for driving under the influence offenses that result in death from earning "good time" credits. These credits would typically reduce the length of a probation sentence for compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions. This bill ensures that those convicted of driving under the influence death resulting will serve the full term of their court-ordered probation without such reductions.

Maddy summarySB 661 amends the state's retirement system by adding state probation and parole officers to the list of state law enforcement professionals. This change makes probation and parole officers eligible for the same specific retirement benefits and service allowances as other state law enforcement personnel, such as deputy sheriffs and capitol police officers. The bill specifies that service credits earned before January 1, 2026, will be determined by prior laws, with the new provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026.