Allows the dismissal of a teacher after the March 1 deadline if there is gross misconduct by a teacher upon a student. This act would allow the notice to be given at any time and will not have time constraints.
Maddy summarySB 2625 requires school districts sending students to regional vocational schools for career and technical education (CTE) or pathways programs to receive regular updates from the receiving district. It mandates quarterly reports on student status (or immediate updates for major changes like withdrawal) and adjusts cost-sharing: home districts pay only the actual cost of services provided by the receiving district (not their own higher per-pupil spending), and only the actual transportation cost to the vocational school. This directly affects all Rhode Island school districts participating in CTE or pathways programs outside a student’s home district. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, aiming to clarify financial responsibilities and improve communication between districts.
Allows any peace officer working in a Rhode Island school as a full or part-time resource officer to work in excess of the 75 working days in a calendar year and not have an interruption in their benefits.
Maddy summarySB 2167 increases the maximum number of days retired municipal employees in towns and cities can work in a calendar year without losing pension benefits, raising the limit to 90 days. This directly affects current retirees employed by local governments who wish to return to part-time work. The key provision replaces the previous work limit with a new 90-day annual cap for maintaining full pension payments. The bill applies specifically to municipal retirement systems covering employees of incorporated towns and cities.
Maddy summarySB 2170 would allow workers who are on strike or locked out by their employer during a labor dispute to receive unemployment benefits. This directly affects employees participating in strikes or facing workplace lockouts due to labor disagreements. The bill changes current rules by expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits to cover these specific situations. It aims to provide financial support to workers during active labor disputes, rather than requiring them to exhaust other options first.
Maddy summarySB 2407 would extend the maximum term of employment for school superintendents in Rhode Island from three to five years. This change directly affects school committees, which hire and set terms for superintendents, by allowing them to establish longer contracts. The bill amends Section 16-2-9(12) of state education law to update the term limit from three years to five years. The change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, a Rhode Island nonprofit that has served children and families since 1866. The bill formally acknowledges the organization's extensive work in areas such as early childhood education, foster care, behavioral health, and supportive housing for older adults. It commends the staff, volunteers, and partners of Child & Family for their contributions to the community and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the organization's leadership.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2026, as National Nurses Week in Rhode Island to honor the state's registered nurses. The measure commemorates Florence Nightingale's birthday and recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of their performance during the pandemic and the growing demand for nursing services. It encourages all residents to express gratitude to nurses throughout the year and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to relevant nursing organizations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan while encouraging stronger bilateral ties in trade, defense, and culture. The bill proposes concrete steps such as establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the state legislature, exploring the creation of a Rhode Island trade office in Taiwan, and signing a memorandum of understanding to boost economic cooperation. It also urges the state government to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Additionally, the resolution calls for concluding an agreement to avoid double taxation on trade and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to relevant state and federal officials.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Month" and May 12, 2026, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. The measure aims to increase public understanding of fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that affects people of all ages and often involves symptoms like fatigue, sleep disorders, and cognitive difficulties. By encouraging residents, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to participate, the bill seeks to reduce stigma and promote better support for those living with the illness. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Fibromyalgia Association to highlight the state's commitment to the cause.
