Allows for a one-time two percent (2%) supplemental cost of living adjustment for plan year 2025 to the public pension benefits administered by the ERSRI, and allows for those benefits to be deducted from the taxpayer's adjusted gross income.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state fund to provide tuition and related expense assistance to individuals pursuing teacher certification in shortage fields, specifically science and mathematics for grades seven through twelve. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a Rhode Island postsecondary program to become teachers in these areas, and the financial aid is intended to cover costs such as tuition, room, board, and books after other aid has been applied. Recipients are required to complete at least three years of full-time teaching in a shortage field within the state, or the assistance they received will convert into a loan that must be repaid. The Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner will administer the program, update the list of shortage fields biennially, and report annually on the fund's usage while maintaining applicant privacy.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 19, 2024, as Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1914-1922 atrocities committed against Pontian Greeks. The measure formally acknowledges the historical events in which the Ottoman Empire systematically killed hundreds of thousands of people and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Greek community leaders in the United States and Greece. By adopting this proclamation, the Rhode Island Senate joins the Greek-American community in commemorating the anniversary of the genocide and recognizing the contributions of survivors and their descendants to the state's culture.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about communication disorders. The bill urges state agencies, including the Departments of Human Services and Elementary and Secondary Education, to organize hearing screenings and special events during this month. It also encourages educators, specialists, and the public to acknowledge the work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists who help individuals manage these conditions. By transmitting copies of the resolution to relevant officials and organizations, the state aims to promote better understanding and support for those affected by hearing, language, and speech issues.
Prohibits prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the prescription of a nonpreferred medication on their drug formulary used to assess or treat an enrollee's bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizotypal.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames the Roosevelt Benton Youth Assessment Center to the Roosevelt Benton Center. It also designates the larger facility, which includes the renamed center, as the Thomas C. Slater Training School in honor of former State Representative Thomas C. Slater. The change applies to the building located on the Pastore Complex in Cranston, Rhode Island. This legislative action is a commemorative measure that updates official records and signage for the state construction.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 28, 2024, as "Arts Advocacy Day" in Rhode Island to highlight the economic and cultural value of the arts sector. The bill recognizes that the arts contribute billions to the state economy and support local businesses, while also benefiting students through arts education programs. It urges residents to appreciate and support artists and cultural organizations, particularly those affected by pandemic-related shutdowns. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.
Extends the sunset date of the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program act from 2028 to 2030, in order to allow the program to provide eligible students with funding for tuition and mandatory fees for an additional two (2) years.
Requires businesses that offer automatic subscription renewals/continuous service offers to provide consumers with notice to the consumer prior to their engagement in the contract along with notice of renewal of subscription/cancellation info. eff. 1/1/25
Maddy summaryThis bill extends teacher certifications for three or five years without fees or penalties for educators who were already certified as of July 1, 2024. It also waives application and exam fees for new teacher certifications during the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Additionally, the law allows teachers with at least three years of experience to earn additional certifications by taking exams or completing coursework, and it directs the state education department to create more flexible pathways for obtaining teacher and administrator credentials.
