Sen. Hanna Gallo

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1069 reaffirms the friendship between the State of Rhode Island and Taiwan. It encourages the Rhode Island State Government to strengthen bilateral trade relations, including considering the possible opening of a trade office in Taiwan. The resolution also expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and agreements, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1066 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes "Zambarano Day" on May 13, 2025. This resolution congratulates the staff of the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus for their services and expresses the Rhode Island Senate's appreciation and continuing support for the hospital's long-term acute care efforts.

Provides that a student's enrollment in Medicaid would be included in calculating and determining the student success factor for use in the foundation education-aid formula.

Maddy summarySR 1036 is a Senate Resolution that proclaims May 8, 2025, as "Arts Day in Rhode Island." It encourages all Rhode Islanders to reflect on how arts and culture enrich their lives and recognizes their critical role in communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

Changes the teacher and state employees' retirement benefit calculations' cutoff date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2012, for all retirement members eligible to and who retire on or after the new July 1, 2012, cutoff date.

Gives teachers who takes an unpaid parental or medical leave during the year credit for a year of service for that school year if they served a minimum of 135 days.

Maddy summarySB 21 modifies teacher certification processes in Rhode Island. It automatically extends existing teacher certifications for three or five years, without fees, for those certified by July 1, 2025. To promote recruitment, the bill waives initial teacher certification application and Praxis examination fees for a three-year period starting July 1, 2025. It also allows teachers with at least three years of experience to acquire additional certifications and directs the Department of Education to create more flexible pathways for obtaining teacher and administrator certifications, including recognizing non-traditional experience.

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.