Maddy summaryThis bill allows county and statewide grand juries in Rhode Island to issue public reports on matters involving code of ethics violations or other public concerns, provided at least twelve jurors agree to the report. The legislation establishes a review process where the superior court examines each report to ensure it is based on evidence, gives named individuals a chance to respond, and removes confidential or prejudicial information before making it public. Named individuals in the reports can appeal the decision to release them to the state supreme court, and the court may seal reports if they could interfere with ongoing criminal cases. The changes apply to both county and statewide grand juries, which will now have the authority to investigate and publish findings beyond traditional indictments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Virginia's condominium law to improve transparency and accountability for condominium associations. It requires associations to hold annual meetings, allows meetings to be conducted electronically with proper notice, and mandates that meeting minutes be made available to owners within 30 days. The bill also establishes a new requirement for independent financial audits every five years for associations governing more than 20 units, with copies available to all unit owners upon request. Additionally, it creates a condominium ombudsman position to assist owners with disputes and clarifies rules for accessing association records like financial statements and contracts.
Maddy summarySB 2028 imposes a tiered sales tax on digital advertising services sold within Rhode Island, affecting large digital advertising companies based on their global revenue (2.5% for $100M-$1B revenue, 5% for $1B-$5B, 7.5% for $5B-$15B). The tax revenue will be distributed annually to specific state funds: 10% to public transit (RIPTA), 15% to climate resiliency, 5% to university research, 20% to housing, 10% to school lunches, 20% to municipal resilience, and 20% to the general fund. The tax applies to purchases of digital ads within Rhode Island and takes effect on July 1, 2026. It does not allow companies to add the tax as a separate fee on customer invoices but requires clear disclosure of the amount.
Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on land they own provided at least 50 % of the housing to be developed is low- or moderate-income housing and the land is owned or held in trust by the faith-based organizations.
Maddy summarySB 2364 raises Rhode Island's earned-income tax credit (EITC) percentage from its current rate to 30% for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This change directly benefits low-to-moderate income workers and families who qualify for the EITC, particularly those with children. The bill amends Section 44-30-2.6 of Rhode Island's tax code to implement this increase, which will reduce the tax burden for eligible filers. The adjustment applies to the credit amount calculated based on federal income tax returns, not to overall tax rates. This policy change is effective starting in 2027.
Extends reporting and expiration dates of special legislative commission to study and provides recommendations for potential changes in legislation/oversight of Act on Climate from 5/1/2026, to 10/1/2026, and said commission expires on 11/1/2026.
Maddy summarySB 2612 amends Rhode Island's open meetings law to allow advisory bodies (non-decision-making groups like commissions or committees) to participate in public meetings via videoconferencing under specific conditions. It permits remote participation for members with disabilities who cannot attend physically, requiring approval from the Governor's Commission on Disabilities and ensuring clear audio/video for all participants. The bill also specifically authorizes University of Rhode Island board members to join meetings remotely if audio/video clarity and quorum requirements are met. These changes apply only to approved scenarios and do not alter the requirement for meetings to remain open to the public.
Maddy summarySB 2753, the Rhode Island Veterans Home Staffing Support Act of 2026, establishes a state funding program to address staffing needs at Rhode Island Veterans Homes. The bill directly affects these state-operated facilities by providing dedicated financial support to maintain adequate staffing levels. Key provisions require the state to allocate specific funds for hiring and retaining personnel at the veterans homes. This act aims to improve operational stability and care quality at these facilities through targeted state financial assistance.
Maddy summarySB 2563 mandates an independent study by Rhode Island's auditor general to evaluate whether consolidating Medicaid prescription drug management would save costs and improve transparency. The study must compare four models used by other states, including single statewide drug lists (like Connecticut) or direct state contracting (like Kentucky), and assess impacts on state spending, pharmacy rebates, and beneficiary access. It requires full data access from pharmacy benefit managers and related entities - bypassing contractual confidentiality - to ensure the analysis uses complete information on drug expenditures and rebates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island's Medicaid program, which covers children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, by setting the stage for potential future changes to drug management.
Maddy summarySB 2755 would allow a Class B or Class BV liquor license for the specific property at 186 Wayland Avenue in Providence. This bill directly affects the owner or operator of that single property by enabling them to sell alcoholic beverages for retail sale. It is a procedural measure focused solely on granting a license for one defined location, with no broader regulatory changes.