Sen. Hanna Gallo

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.

Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 21, 2025, as "National Caregivers Day" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the work of both professional caregivers (like home health aides) and family caregivers who provide unpaid care to adults or children. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it is a ceremonial gesture expressing appreciation. The Senate directed the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA).

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2026, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Maddy summarySB 153 establishes rules to protect minors under 18 who appear in compensated vlogs on social media. It requires vloggers featuring minors (meeting criteria like 30% screen time in content or $0.10/view compensation) to track detailed records and deposit 10-50% of earnings into a trust fund for the minor. The trust funds, held until the minor turns 18, must be managed by specific financial institutions and are enforceable through civil lawsuits by parents or guardians. This bill directly affects vloggers, families, and platforms hosting content featuring minors in Rhode Island.

Gradually phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a four (4) year period for social security income, from twenty-five percent (25%) up to one hundred percent (100%), beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Permits school districts to use release days for professional development; provided that, instruction time meets the yearly requirement of one thousand eighty (1,080) school hours.

Spells out additional notice provisions, fees and costs of the arbitration process, from initiation to default provisions and potential court sanctions for breach of the arbitration agreement.

Maddy summarySB 3105 expands the definition of unfair claims practices under the state's Insurance Code to provide clearer protections for policyholders and claimants. The bill specifically targets insurance companies by adding numerous prohibited actions, such as delaying claim investigations, refusing to pay without a reasonable review, and misleading consumers about coverage limits or deadlines. It also introduces strict timelines for insurers to respond to claims and conduct appraisals, particularly for vehicle damage exceeding $2,500, and mandates that insurers honor requests to pay directly to a consumer's chosen rental car company or auto body shop. By codifying these standards, the legislation aims to ensure that insurance providers handle claims fairly and transparently while giving consumers more control over their repair and replacement options.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of family court magistrates to hear contested divorce cases, which directly impacts individuals navigating divorce proceedings in family court. Previously, these contested matters were typically handled by judges, but the legislation now allows magistrates to preside over them as well. The change aims to increase judicial capacity within the family court system by broadening the types of cases magistrates can manage. Once enacted, the law takes effect immediately without requiring the governor's signature.