Transfers authority over the examination and licensing of telecommunications professionals to the state board of examiners of electricians and amends the composition of that body to require the inclusion of a telecommunications professional.
Maddy summarySB 2501 changes when state employees can negotiate salary boosts tied to years of service. Starting July 1, 2026, non-classified state employees (excluding faculty and those already receiving such boosts) will be allowed to negotiate "longevity payments" of 5% after 10 years and 10% after 20 years of service. The bill explicitly ends the current ban on new longevity increases (in place since 2011) and allows future collective bargaining agreements to include these provisions. It applies broadly to state employees across education boards, government agencies, and other state departments.
Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.
Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.
Provides that a portion of state income taxes from employees working at not-for-profit healthcare institutions, health service institutions, and educational institutions be allocated to the city of Providence.
Maddy summarySB 2082 phases out Rhode Island's local 1% meals and beverage tax, which currently applies to food and drinks purchased at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments. The tax will be reduced by 0.25% annually starting January 1, 2027, and will be completely eliminated by January 1, 2030. This change directly affects restaurants, bars, and consumers who pay the tax on meals and beverages. The bill modifies existing tax law to implement this gradual reduction through annual adjustments, with no further tax collected after 2029.
Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.
Provides that adjunct faculty members at any state college or university who teach at least 50% of the hours regularly worked by full-time faculty in a semester be eligible for the same medical benefits as other full-time state employees.
Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
