Sen. Melissa Murray

Maddy summarySB 335 removes an existing exemption that allowed entire residences (like houses, condos, or apartments) to be rented without paying the state's 5% hotel tax. This change affects landlords and property managers who rent out whole properties, requiring them to collect and remit the tax starting January 1, 2026. The bill amends tax code to clarify that such rentals are no longer exempt, aligning them with traditional hotel or short-term rental services. The tax applies in addition to standard sales taxes and will be administered by the state division of taxation.

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.

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.

Establishes a compact agreement among at least two (2) states to prohibit the use of subsidies to selectively retain industry or company entice relocation from one state to another state or to open a new facility.

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

Maddy summarySB 338, the Economic and Climate Resilience Act of 2025, imposes a fee on fossil fuel companies selling coal, oil, natural gas, and similar products in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund a dedicated "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund" to support specific programs. This fund will provide job training for workers transitioning to clean energy, improve energy efficiency for low-income households and small businesses, and help businesses that use significant energy. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet Rhode Island's 2035 climate goals, and address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. It directly affects fossil fuel sellers (who pay the fee) and benefits Rhode Island residents, particularly low-income households and energy-intensive businesses.

Maddy summarySB 340 adds the purchase of animals from breeders to the list of taxable sales subject to the state's 6% sales tax. This directly affects breeders selling animals and buyers purchasing them, as they must now pay the tax on these transactions. The bill amends the sales tax law to explicitly include animal purchases, aligning them with other taxable retail sales. It takes effect upon passage without altering existing tax rates for other goods or services.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 219), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to Barbara Ozanian and her family following the death of James W. Ozanian, a longtime Woonsocket resident, U.S. Postal Service employee, and Vietnam War veteran. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Ozanian family. As a condolence resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 218) expressing condolences for George Martell Egan, a Woonsocket, RI resident known for his decades of service as an educator, high school hockey coach, and Boy Scout leader. The resolution formally honors his life and contributions, including his roles at Coventry High School, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, and Camp Yawgoog. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Egan's surviving siblings. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.