Sen. Pete Appollonio

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 7, 2026, as the "National Day of Prayer" within the State of Rhode Island. It encourages all residents to observe this day by setting aside time for personal prayer according to their own faith traditions. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state coordinators of the National Day of Prayer.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Rhode Island State Senate's condolences for the passing of Arthur Paiva, a veteran and community leader. The document honors his life by detailing his service in the Korean War and Air Force, his long career as a mail carrier, and his extensive volunteer work in organizations like the Knights of Columbus. It also recognizes his significant contributions to healthcare, including bringing dialysis machines to the region and donating bone marrow to save his brother's life. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Paiva's children, including former State Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed.

Requires that the state’s share to support public library services in fiscal year 2027 be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended by the city or town in the second preceding fiscal year.

Establishes the first-time home buyer savings program act. Allows modifications to federal adjusted gross income for $50,000 in contributions and $150,000 of interest and dividends included in federal adjusted gross income.

Increases the minimum hourly wage commencing January 1, 2029, by an amount equal to the total percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Northeast Region for the calendar year 2027.

Maddy summarySB 2503 establishes a maximum 8-hour workday for most state peace officers (with a 10-hour limit for correctional officer stewards) to protect their health and safety. The bill prohibits the state from requiring overtime beyond these limits, except in unforeseeable emergencies like riots, and only after the employer makes reasonable efforts to secure volunteer staff. If the state violates this rule, it must pay affected officers double time and a half of their regular hourly wage. The law takes effect upon passage and does not override existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 2184 removes the registration and plate transfer fee for vehicles displaying a Distinguished Service Cross license plate. This change directly affects veterans who have received the Distinguished Service Cross, the military's second-highest decoration for extraordinary heroism. The bill modifies the state's vehicle registration system by eliminating the standard fee that would otherwise apply when registering a vehicle or transferring this specific plate. This is a targeted administrative adjustment to reduce costs for eligible veterans using the special license plate.

Maddy summarySB 2420 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to use their state tuition assistance benefits for their dependents. Dependents enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) can receive tuition waivers for up to five courses per semester at any Rhode Island state college or university. The program is funded up to $100,000 annually per fiscal year, requires a one-year military service commitment for each 12 course credits used, and mandates that both the Guard member and dependent maintain good academic standing. Failure to meet service or academic requirements may trigger repayment of benefits.

Maddy summarySB 2355 allows retired state employees to be reemployed by municipalities without losing their retirement benefits, directly affecting retired state workers seeking part-time or limited-term municipal roles. The bill removes previous restrictions that required suspending retirement benefits during reemployment, permitting up to 75 working days or 150 half-days per year (with pay suspension if exceeded) without benefit forfeiture. It specifically prohibits additional retirement contributions or service credits for this reemployment and requires monthly notices to the retirement board. The bill applies to all retired state employees under Titles 16, 36, or 45, excluding certain exempt roles like elected officials or specific teaching/nursing positions covered under separate subsections.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Older Americans Month" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The measure honors the contributions of adults aged 65 and older, acknowledging their role in the community and economy while recognizing the state's history with senior support legislation. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to coordinate official observances. This symbolic action aims to foster intergenerational respect and highlight the needs and achievements of the state's aging population.