Sen. Josh Miller

This act serves as the enabling act required by § 16-7-44 of the general laws in order for the principal and interest on bonds issued in support of school housing projects to be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement.

Protects the solvency of health systems, physicians, and advance practice providers and insurers, encourage fair treatment of hospitals and ensure adequate clinical workforce while advancing health equity.

Encourages and protects the freedom of public libraries to acquire materials without limitations and prohibits materials being removed from public libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new tax credit for individuals and businesses that donate safe, edible food to qualified nonprofit organizations. Starting in 2025, donors can claim a credit equal to 75% of the food's fair market value, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, while those who arrange transportation for the donation may also receive a 50% credit on those costs. To qualify, the donated food must be fit for human consumption, and the receiving nonprofit must use it to provide meals for people in need. The legislation requires nonprofits to issue certificates confirming the donation details and the intended use of the food, and it mandates annual reporting to the state legislature on how the credit is utilized.

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

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.

Allocates, to the cities and towns of the state, a portion of state income taxes for new employees of not-for-profit healthcare institutions and private educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability for retired state employees to work part-time at state colleges and universities without losing their retirement benefits. It specifically allows retired teachers, nurses, and other eligible staff to provide classroom instruction, academic advising, coaching, or professional nursing services at these institutions. The law sets strict limits on how much these individuals can earn from such work, capping annual pay at $18,000 for general faculty roles and $15,000 for driver education, while ensuring their pension payments remain intact. Additionally, the legislation clarifies rules for other specific roles, such as elected officials and judges, who may continue to serve in those capacities after retirement without forfeiting their allowances.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Requires executive office of health and human services to establish an early childhood mental health hub program focused on improving access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under age 6 and their families.