Sen. Pete Appollonio

Entitles correctional officers with twenty-five (25) years of service and who are at least fifty-five (55) years of age to a non-Medicare-eligible retiree health care insurance benefit.

Maddy summarySB 1045 exempts new subchapter S corporations (S corporations) in their first year of operation from paying Rhode Island's minimum corporate tax of $400. This applies to businesses that elect S corporation status under federal tax law and file their first state tax return. The bill specifically removes the requirement for these new entities to pay the minimum tax during their initial taxable year, though they remain subject to the regular 7% income tax on profits. The exemption takes effect immediately upon passage, affecting only first-year S corporations.

Maddy summarySB 895 suspends the gross earnings tax on electric and gas utility companies from January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2035. Specifically, it stops the 4% tax on electricity corporations (as defined in subsection 2) and the 3% tax on gas corporations (as defined in subsection 6) during this period. The bill does not permanently repeal the tax but delays its collection for a decade. This directly affects utility companies that generate electricity or distribute gas to the public. The suspension takes effect on January 1, 2026, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summarySB 409 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax calculation for residents. It adds certain income types to taxable income, including nonqualified withdrawals from college savings plans (like funds used for non-educational expenses) and forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans exceeding $250,000. It also allows a deduction of up to $500 (or $1,000 for joint filers) for contributions to Rhode Island's tuition savings program. The bill directly affects residents with these specific income sources or contributions, effective January 1, 2025.

Requires that all monies received from the payment of fines under the Uniform Act on Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking be deposited into the into the violent crimes indemnity account within the general fund.

Maddy summarySB 416 phases out Rhode Island's 1% local meals and beverage tax by gradually reducing it 0.25% annually starting in 2026, eliminating the tax entirely by January 1, 2029. The bill directly affects restaurants, bars, and other eating establishments that currently collect this tax on meals and beverages sold for immediate consumption. Key provisions include annual tax reductions beginning January 1, 2026, with the tax fully expiring on January 1, 2029. This change will end local revenue from this tax source for cities and towns that previously received quarterly distributions. The bill takes effect upon passage but is currently under further study in committee.

Maddy summarySB 187 increases Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $4 million for estates of people who die on or after January 1, 2026. This means most estates valued below $4 million will no longer owe state estate tax under this provision. The bill sets a new threshold that replaces previous lower exemptions (like $850,000 for 2010-2015 deaths) and includes future annual adjustments for inflation starting in 2027. It directly affects residents and nonresidents with estates exceeding $4 million at death after 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 1094) expressing the Rhode Island Senate's condolences on the passing of Paul J. Fox, Jr. of Cranston. It honors his life as a husband, father, community leader (including roles with the Cranston Redevelopment Agency and Rotary Club), and businessman, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Wendy Fox, and family. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on laws - it is purely a formal expression of respect for the late Mr. Fox.

Provides penalties for second and subsequent violations of installing and possessing a vehicle with sun screening materials in violation of this section.

Maddy summarySB 1073 prohibits inmates in Rhode Island Department of Corrections custody from using force or weapons to resist lawful requests or directives from correctional officers. This law directly affects individuals already incarcerated in state facilities, specifically targeting resistance during routine facility operations. Violating this provision could result in fines up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill amends existing law to clarify that such resistance by incarcerated people is unlawful, separate from rules governing arrests by police officers. It has not yet become law, as it was referred to committee for further study.