Maddy summarySB 2246 establishes a Rhode Island tax credit to help unpaid family caregivers offset out-of-pocket costs for caring for eligible relatives. It provides a 50% credit (up to $1,000 annually) for qualifying expenses like home modifications, medical equipment, hired aides, respite care, or adult day care, directly benefiting caregivers with household incomes under $50,000 ($100,000 for couples). To qualify, the caregiver must provide unpaid support for a relative aged 65+ or with Social Security Disability, who needs assistance with at least two daily living tasks (e.g., bathing, feeding) and resides with them in Rhode Island for six+ months. The credit applies to taxable years starting after December 31, 2026, and excludes costs covered by insurance or general home maintenance.
Sponsored bills
Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.
Maddy summarySB 2531 prohibits the construction and operation of new plastic waste conversion facilities in Rhode Island by banning permits for such projects. The bill specifically targets facilities marketed as "chemical," "advanced," or "molecular" recycling (including those using gasification, pyrolysis, or depolymerization) that process plastic waste into fuels or chemicals. It defines these facilities broadly, regardless of their marketing claims or claimed efficiency, and states they disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color due to toxic emissions and environmental risks. The law applies immediately upon passage, preventing new facilities from obtaining state approvals while acknowledging existing operations.
Maddy summarySB 2739 amends the process for reimbursing workers' compensation costs when a third party (such as another company or individual) is liable for an injury. It changes how employers and insurers handle reimbursements after a third party pays damages to an injured worker. This directly affects injured workers, employers, and insurance providers in cases involving third-party liability. The bill clarifies procedural steps under existing workers' compensation law without altering benefit amounts or eligibility.
Prohibits employers from seeking/using credit reports in making hiring decisions concerning prospective employees, asking questions about the applicant's financial past during interviews or including credit history questions in their job applications.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Jewish American Heritage Month" throughout Rhode Island to honor the community's historical and ongoing contributions to the state. The bill highlights Jewish Americans' roles in Rhode Island's economy, culture, education, military service, and healthcare while promoting unity and combating prejudice. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to relevant community leaders and organizations to facilitate observance. This measure is symbolic and does not alter laws or create new government programs.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the passing of Mary Ann "Mare" Johnson, a lifelong resident of Rhode Island who died on April 5, 2026. The measure formally acknowledges her life and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a ceremonial gesture of sympathy from the state legislature.
Raises the minimum fee per barrel of petroleum products or crude oil from five cents ($0.05) to twelve cents ($0.12) per barrel as part of the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April as "Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages history and social science teachers to include lessons about past and ongoing genocides in their classrooms to promote understanding and prevent future atrocities. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this proclamation to the Commissioner of Education and the state's Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors family medicine physicians in Rhode Island for their dedication to patient care and advocacy. It formally recognizes their role in improving health outcomes and addresses policymakers on their behalf during Advocacy Day on April 16, 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians to acknowledge their contributions.