Sen. Melissa Murray

Maddy summarySB 448, known as "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," amends existing law to outline various categorical programs eligible for direct state funding. The bill provides state funds for excess costs associated with special education students and student transportation for both out-of-district non-public schools and within regional school districts. It also allocates funding for career and technical education, pre-kindergarten programs, and

Maddy summarySB 621 amends the state's Mental Health Law to extend immunity from liability to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This bill grants APRNs the same legal protections as physicians and surgeons when participating in mental health proceedings. Specifically, APRNs would not be held liable in court for their involvement, except in instances of actual fraud or gross, willful, or wanton negligence. This change directly affects APRNs by providing them with expanded legal immunity within the mental healthcare system.

Establishes the process to provide a legal mechanism whereby a terminally ill patient may choose to end their life using medications prescribed by a physician.

Maddy summarySB 185 mandates large electric and gas utility companies (over 100,000 customers) to establish an income-sensitive tiered payment program for residential customers whose household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. This program aims to make home energy costs more affordable by ensuring eligible households pay no more than a fixed percentage of their income for utilities. It includes fixed monthly payments and a 24-month plan for forgiving prior unpaid bills. The costs of these discounts and related administration will be covered by all other utility customers through adjustments to their rates, as determined by the Public Utilities Commission.

Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.

Maddy summarySB 261 proposes to exempt specific types of batteries from sales tax. It removes the sales tax on "behind-the-meter batteries" that are interconnected with a solar photovoltaic system. This means that individuals or businesses purchasing these particular batteries for solar energy storage would no longer pay sales tax on them. The bill amends the state's existing sales and use tax laws by adding this exemption to the list of items not subject to sales and use taxes.

Maddy summarySB 110, known as "The Rhode Island Family Caregiver Tax Credit Act," establishes a state income tax credit for eligible Rhode Island resident taxpayers. The bill allows a credit of 50% of certain uncompensated expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000, incurred for the care and support of a qualifying family member. Eligible family members must be at least 65 years old or have a disability, require assistance with daily activities, and reside with the caregiver for at least six months. This credit, which cannot reduce tax liability below zero, is intended to help relieve the financial burden on family caregivers and applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Provides that exemptions to the prohibition of liquor licenses within two hundred feet (200') of schools or places of worship do not eliminate neighboring property owners’ remonstrance rights to object to the license.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 468 establishes a maximum price for certain prescription drugs in Rhode Island. It prohibits state agencies, health insurance plans, and participating ERISA plans (if they opt-in) from purchasing "referenced drugs" for a cost higher than a federally determined maximum fair price. Any savings generated from these price limitations must be used to reduce costs for consumers or plan members, and entities must report these savings annually to the insurance commissioner.