Sen. David Tikoian

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's personal income tax code to remove the age limit for modifying Social Security income, allowing residents of all ages to exclude these funds from their taxable income. The legislation also updates tax calculations to include new federal provisions, such as taxing forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans over $250,000 and adjusting how tuition savings program withdrawals are handled. By aligning state tax rules with recent federal changes, the bill ensures that residents pay state taxes on income that is no longer exempt under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Thrive Behavioral Health, Inc. on its 50th anniversary and recognizes its long-standing contributions to mental health care in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the organization's growth from its founding as the Kent County Mental Health Center to its current role as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides comprehensive, affordable services. It highlights Thrive's holistic approach, which combines clinical treatment with support for housing and employment to help individuals achieve stability. The resolution expresses gratitude for the organization's work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's president and CEO.

Establishes sales and use tax exemptions for commercial forest product operations and creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles".

Maddy summaryThis bill allows dental hygienists to receive payment from insurance sources other than the dentist's own plan, including third-party payors like Medicare. It directly affects dental practices by expanding the types of insurance that can reimburse dental hygienists for their services. The key provision removes previous restrictions that limited reimbursement to specific insurance arrangements, enabling broader payment options for dental hygiene care. This change applies to all dental practices employing dental hygienists within the state where the bill is enacted.

Creates a new class of retirement status license for retirees that had possessed a professional license issued by the department of labor and training.

Ensures any public school with available seats, after completion of the initial enrollment period for students, shall make all open seats available to other students residing within the same school district.

Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud and allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters and creates penalties for real estate title fraud.

Ends transaction fees for school lunches in all districts. This act requires at least one no-fee payment method for school lunches and a full disclosure whether fees will be charged by a payment platform.

Maddy summarySB 2032 prohibits health insurance plans in Rhode Island from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic or supplemental breast examinations. It specifically covers exams used to evaluate abnormalities (diagnostic) or screen for breast cancer in high-risk individuals (supplemental), based on medical history or risk factors. The law applies to all group and individual health insurance plans, including those offered by health maintenance organizations and nonprofit health corporations. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, ensuring these exams are fully covered without cost-sharing for enrollees.

Allows animal control officers in the cities and towns to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned or neglected or hazardously accumulated and includes them as agents authorized to enforce the provisions of this law.