Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summarySenate Bill 34 proposes to eliminate the sales tax on certain services. Specifically, it removes the sales tax requirement for taxi services and pet care services. This change means that individuals who use these services would no longer pay sales tax on them. It also directly affects businesses providing taxi and pet care services by altering their sales tax collection and remittance obligations.

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Maddy summarySB 917 proposes to repeal an existing law that restricts the issuance of certain retail liquor licenses. Currently, these licenses cannot be granted for establishments located within 200 feet of schools or places of public worship. The bill would eliminate this 200-foot proximity rule, as well as the ability of adjoining property owners to object to the granting of such licenses. This would directly affect businesses seeking new retail liquor licenses and the communities surrounding schools and religious institutions.

Maddy summarySB 855 establishes new rules for overtime work for state-employed peace officers, primarily affecting correctional officers in Rhode Island. The bill prevents the state from requiring these employees to work beyond an agreed-upon 8-hour (or 10-hour for correctional officer stewards) shift, except in unforeseeable emergent circumstances like a riot. Even in emergencies, overtime can only be required as a last resort after the employer has exhausted reasonable efforts to obtain staffing. If the state violates these provisions and requires work beyond the limit, it must pay the employee double time and a half their regular salary.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 990, known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE ACT), establishes new regulations for individuals and businesses that charge fees to assist veterans with benefits claims. It prohibits upfront fees and mandates that compensation be contingent on an increase in benefits, capped at five times the monthly increase. The bill also restricts compensation for claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran waives free services. Additionally, it requires service providers to disclose their non-affiliation with government veterans' services and prohibits practices such as using international data centers for veteran personal information or accessing a veteran's accounts with their login credentials. Violations of these provisions could result in civil penalties.

Maddy summarySB 878 establishes specific caseload limits for workers at the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). These limits apply to various responsibilities, such as active investigations, ongoing in-home services, and children in out-of-home or treatment foster care. The bill also requires DCYF to conduct annual pay rate reviews for its employees. This review aims to ensure competitive compensation by comparing salaries with similar positions in other New England states.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 995 expresses the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences of the Rhode Island Senate on the passing of the Honorable Dominick J. Ruggerio, the former President and Dean of the Rhode Island Senate. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to his family.

Maddy summarySB 639, known as "The School Libraries Act," establishes new requirements for public schools across the state. It mandates that every public school must have a permanent, dedicated school library equipped with an adequate collection, technology, and budget. The bill also requires all public schools to employ certified school librarians, with specific staffing levels (full-time for schools with 250+ students, half-time for smaller schools) to be phased in by the 2030-2031 school year. This legislation aims to ensure students in all public schools have daily access to these libraries and their resources.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the Parisi family following the passing of Edmée Parisi, a Johnston resident who raised six children and worked as a travel agent, church secretary, and police department clerk. It formally recognizes her life, family, and community involvement as detailed in the resolution's preamble. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Parisi family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or affected parties beyond the family.

Distinguishes, in two separate subsections, a first offense for reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent offense for reckless driving, which is a felony.