Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summarySB 752 requires owners of qualifying Rhode Island businesses (private, small businesses with at least three workers) to notify all employees in writing within seven days of deciding to sell the business or transfer 51%+ ownership. Employees then have 30 days to form a group (QEG) to purchase the business, with negotiations and valuation taking up to 180 days. If employees successfully buy the business, the owner receives a capital gains tax exemption on sales under $1 million. The law ensures existing labor agreements continue and prevents outside control after the sale, directly affecting small business owners and their employees.

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Adds probation officers and parole officers to the definition of "police officer" for purposes of salary payments during line of duty illness or injury.

Maddy summarySB 665 expands Rhode Island's crime victim compensation program to include hit-and-run victims who suffer serious bodily injury. The bill amends the law by adding a new category (section 19) specifically covering "failure to stop by a driver in circumstances which result in serious bodily injury." This change directly affects victims of hit-and-run crashes where injury occurs, making them eligible for financial assistance previously unavailable under the existing program. The law takes effect upon passage.

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s minimum wage from May 4, 2025, to May 4, 2026, and said commission would expire on January 4, 2027.

Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to walking, biking, and hiking trails and access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 596), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the Box family following the passing of Dr. Joseph J. Box. The resolution specifically directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Dr. Box's children. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or individuals beyond this expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 597) formally recognizes March 8, 2025, as "International Women’s Day" and the entire month of March 2025 as "Women’s History Month" within Rhode Island. It is a ceremonial resolution with no policy or funding changes, intended solely to honor women’s contributions. The resolution cites historical Rhode Island women and global observances to support this recognition. It was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on March 4, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to notify the Governor.

Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first- time homebuyers saving account with Rhode Island Housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home.