Sen. Sam Zurier

Mandates state and electric distribution companies develop proposals and encourage off shore wind power development and give priority in those projects to providing employment and business opportunities to workers from disadvantaged communities.

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.

Changes utility company billing practices so that when a gas electric utility changes their customer billing, they are required to file a copy of the new bill with the PUC for approval, with a complete explanation of the changes.

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill primarily revises the geographical boundaries of school bus districts across the state, affecting kindergarten through 12th-grade students attending public, vocational, special education, and nonpublic nonprofit schools. It redefines nine specific regions and clarifies that the school committee of the student's resident city or town is responsible for providing bus transportation within that region. The bill also details state funding for various education programs, including excess costs for special education, career and technical education, and pre-kindergarten. Additionally, it establishes a stabilization fund to provide financial support for Central Falls, the William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School, and the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, covering costs such as transportation and facility maintenance. Students currently receiving transportation under the old district system will transition to the new regions starting July 1, 2029.

Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.

Includes municipal detention facility corporations as exempt from taxation, and requires that an amount equal to 27% of all tax that would have been collected if the property was taxable be paid to the municipality annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a postsecondary tuition assistance program in Rhode Island for individuals pursuing teaching degrees in "shortage teaching fields," such as middle and high school science and mathematics. Administered by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, the program provides funds for tuition, room, board, mandatory fees, and other costs of attending a Rhode Island postsecondary institution. To qualify, recipients must commit to completing at least three years of full-time teaching in a designated shortage field within the state. If this service requirement is not fulfilled, the tuition assistance converts into a loan that must be repaid by the individual. The program is open to both Rhode Island residents and non-residents and does not require SAT or AP scores for admission to the teaching program.

Maddy summarySB 39 proposes to amend existing sales and use tax laws. It seeks to exempt scalp hair prostheses or wigs from sales tax. This exemption would apply to individuals who need these items due to hair loss caused by a medical condition.

Maddy summarySB 176 establishes the "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Act." This bill allows students aged 18-21 (or up to 22) with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities, who receive special education services, to attend state colleges and universities. These students are not required to meet standard college admission criteria like entrance exams or a high school diploma. The act aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities, including participation in courses and development of employment and independent living skills, with costs covered as part of their special education services.