Sen. Todd Patalano

Maddy summarySB 2840 amends Rhode Island's sales and use tax laws to exempt licensed child care centers from paying sales tax on their purchases. This change directly affects licensed child care providers by removing the tax liability they currently face when buying goods and services for their operations. The bill modifies existing tax exemption categories, specifically adding licensed child care centers to the list of entities that can purchase items tax-free, alongside schools and other educational institutions. The provision applies to tangible personal property used in the daily functioning of these child care facilities, aligning their tax treatment with that of other educational organizations already exempt from the tax.

Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.

Maddy summarySB 2596 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights for siblings separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. It directly affects children in these situations and their separated siblings, ensuring they can maintain contact unless it harms a child's well-being. The bill mandates courts to approve visitation if it serves the child's best interests, there's a strong emotional bond, and parents/guardians negotiate in good faith. It also requires children aged 12+ to be heard in court and prohibits monetary damages in related disputes. The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2672 would gradually reduce the state's personal income tax rates over time. This bill directly affects individuals who pay state income tax by lowering their tax burden through phased cuts. The key mechanism involves decreasing tax rates in scheduled steps rather than all at once, as outlined in the bill's abstract. The bill was introduced to the Senate Finance Committee on February 27, 2026, and remains in early legislative review.

Increase the net taxable estate exemption to $3,600,000 on January 1, 2027. This act would also increase the exemption by $1,000,000 on January 1, 2028 and every year thereafter until this section and the tax would sunset and expire on January 1, 2033

Allows a landlord that did not obtain a lead certificate pursuant to the lead mitigation laws of chapter 128.1 of title 42 due to the fact that the state lacks the adequate resources to conduct inspections.

Maddy summarySB 2228 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax code to adjust how social security income is treated for tax purposes. Starting with tax years beginning January 1, 2027, the bill allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income specifically for all social security benefits received by residents. This change directly affects Rhode Island residents who receive Social Security payments, as it alters how those benefits are counted toward their state taxable income. The bill does not change the federal tax treatment of social security benefits but adjusts the state-level calculation. The provision is part of broader tax code amendments but focuses specifically on social security income for state tax computation.

Maddy summarySB 2630 repeals a law that prohibited new retail liquor licenses within 200 feet of schools or religious institutions, and within 500 feet of schools in East Providence for certain license types. This repeal removes a distance restriction, allowing new liquor stores to open closer to schools and churches without needing to avoid these proximity requirements. The bill directly affects new license applications for retail liquor stores (Class B, C, N, and I) by eliminating the need for licensing authorities to consider distance to schools or places of worship. Existing licenses and transfers of licenses that predate the location of schools or churches remain unaffected by this repeal.

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Requires public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.