Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

Maddy summarySB 438 provides a property tax exemption for veterans' primary residences, directly affecting veterans who served in specified conflicts (including World War I, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and others) with an honorable discharge, plus their unmarried surviving spouses. The bill exempts a set dollar amount from property taxes on the veteran's primary home, with the exemption amount varying by municipality (e.g., $1,000 statewide minimum, up to $40,500 in Westerly). Key provisions require veterans to reside in the state, provide proof of service and residency to assessors, and apply the exemption to their primary residence's value. The exemption applies to both real property and, in some towns, personal property, with specific local limits set by town councils. This policy change reduces property tax liability for qualifying veterans without altering broader tax structures.

Maddy summarySB 187 increases Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $4 million for estates of people who die on or after January 1, 2026. This means most estates valued below $4 million will no longer owe state estate tax under this provision. The bill sets a new threshold that replaces previous lower exemptions (like $850,000 for 2010-2015 deaths) and includes future annual adjustments for inflation starting in 2027. It directly affects residents and nonresidents with estates exceeding $4 million at death after 2025.

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prohibits inmates in Rhode Island Department of Corrections custody from using force or weapons to resist lawful requests or directives from correctional officers. This law directly affects individuals already incarcerated in state facilities, specifically targeting resistance during routine facility operations. Violating this provision could result in fines up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill amends existing law to clarify that such resistance by incarcerated people is unlawful, separate from rules governing arrests by police officers. It has not yet become law, as it was referred to committee for further study.

Prohibits total education aid paid to any local education agency from being reduced by more than one percent (1%) of the municipal education appropriation in the previous fiscal year.

Amends the public law incorporating Western Coventry Fire District to require a referendum & affirmative vote of the fire district electors prior to any merge/consolidation of the district with any other district or with the fire department of Coventry.

Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.

Allows school bus drivers in Massachusetts and Connecticut who have a valid CDL license in good standing be exempt from the licensing requirements in Rhode Island to transport school children.

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the rules for retired municipal employees who wish to re-enter service. It increases the maximum number of days a retired municipal employee can work in a calendar year from 75 to 90 days without interruption of their pension benefits. If a retired employee works beyond this 90-day limit, their pension payments are temporarily suspended. The bill also clarifies that police officers working private details and retired members serving as elected city/town council or school committee members are not subject to this specific working day limit.