Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Julie Leddy, the Executive Director of the Coventry Housing Authority, as she retires after twenty-nine years of service. The measure formally congratulates her and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her. It acknowledges her leadership in maintaining the authority's status as a high-performing agency and expanding affordable housing opportunities for residents. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of her contributions to the community.

Commencing on 7/1/2026, allows members, state and municipal employees to retire when they have at least 28 years of active service and their retirement age, when combined with the number of their years of service reaches, the number 85.

Maddy summarySB 2446 adds probation and parole officers to the list of state law enforcement professionals eligible for retirement benefits under Rhode Island's retirement system. This change, effective January 1, 2027, ensures these officers receive the same retirement benefits as existing groups like deputy sheriffs and firefighters. The bill amends specific retirement statutes to include probation and parole officers in the defined category of eligible employees. Service credits earned before 2027 will follow the retirement rules in place before the change.

Maddy summarySB 2027 adjusts compensation limits for retired teachers returning to work in specific educational roles. It maintains a $15,000 annual pay cap for retired teachers providing driver education instruction (as specified in subsection d)(3)), while establishing a separate $25,000 annual cap for retired teachers teaching general classroom instruction at state colleges/universities (subsection d)(2)). The bill directly affects retired educators certified in driver education or classroom teaching who return to part-time work. Key provisions require no reduction of retirement benefits during such employment, prohibit additional service credits, and mandate monthly reporting to the retirement board. The change does not alter existing retirement benefits but sets clear annual pay limits for these specific post-retirement roles.

Maddy summarySB 2090 changes retirement benefit calculations for police officers and firefighters employed by towns and cities. Starting July 1, 2026, their retirement allowance will be based on their accrued benefit as of June 30, 2026, plus 2.5% of their final compensation for each year of service after that date. Retirees who are 57 with at least 30 years of service will continue using the previous formula until 2026 and then switch to the new calculation for service after that date. The bill preserves existing options for how benefits are paid to survivors after retirement.

Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service, upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

Maddy summarySB 2625 requires school districts sending students to regional vocational schools for career and technical education (CTE) or pathways programs to receive regular updates from the receiving district. It mandates quarterly reports on student status (or immediate updates for major changes like withdrawal) and adjusts cost-sharing: home districts pay only the actual cost of services provided by the receiving district (not their own higher per-pupil spending), and only the actual transportation cost to the vocational school. This directly affects all Rhode Island school districts participating in CTE or pathways programs outside a student’s home district. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to clarify financial responsibilities and improve communication between districts.

Provides for the right to strike for public sector workers in Rhode Island, including teachers, with exceptions for police officers, firefighters, 911 employees, and correctional officers.

Maddy summarySB 2170 would allow workers who are on strike or locked out by their employer during a labor dispute to receive unemployment benefits. This directly affects employees participating in strikes or facing workplace lockouts due to labor disagreements. The bill changes current rules by expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits to cover these specific situations. It aims to provide financial support to workers during active labor disputes, rather than requiring them to exhaust other options first.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, a Rhode Island nonprofit that has served children and families since 1866. The bill formally acknowledges the organization's extensive work in areas such as early childhood education, foster care, behavioral health, and supportive housing for older adults. It commends the staff, volunteers, and partners of Child & Family for their contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the organization's leadership.