Ends difference between teachers retired before or after June 30, 2012 for pension adjustments and difference between COLA adjustments between state and municipal pensions.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 140 amends state law regarding the Corrections Department to modify probation sentences. It specifically prohibits individuals serving a probationary period for driving under the influence offenses that result in death from earning "good time" credits. These credits would typically reduce the length of a probation sentence for compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions. This bill ensures that those convicted of driving under the influence death resulting will serve the full term of their court-ordered probation without such reductions.
Maddy summarySB 298 increases penalties for various motor vehicle offenses. It raises the maximum imprisonment for "driving so as to endanger, resulting in death" from 10 to 20 years, and for "driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious bodily injury" from 5 to 10 years. For first-time convictions of "driving under the influence, resulting in death," the bill increases maximum imprisonment to 30 years and maximum fines to $20,000. Additionally, for first-time "driving under the influence, resulting in serious bodily injury," maximum imprisonment rises to 20 years, maximum fines to $10,000, and license revocation periods increase from up to 2 years to 3-5 years.
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Amends the pension benefits for both current and former Rhode Island state police members, and would extend the time period a member may serve in the Rhode Island state police.
Includes any costs paid by an enrollee or on behalf of the enrollee by a third party when calculating an enrollee’s overall contribution to any out-of-pocket maximum or cost sharing requirement under a health plan as of January 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 592 authorizes the creation of a special motor vehicle registration plate for the nonprofit organization Real Access Motivates Progress. Drivers can choose to purchase and display this specific plate, which replaces their standard registration plate. The bill establishes a $40 surcharge for the initial issuance of these plates, with $20 going to the state's general fund and $20 to the charity to support accessibility programs. Subsequent annual renewals include a $10 surcharge that goes directly to Real Access Motivates Progress, which is required to use these funds for Rhode Island-based charitable organizations.
Expands council on elementary and secondary education and board of education and makes teacher of year and student advisory chair voting members on each.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1035 officially designates May 5-11, 2025, as "Lung Cancer Action Week" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn more about lung cancer, its risk factors, and early detection.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1034 supports the recognition of the Pokanoket Tribe as the ancient and ongoing stewards of their ancestral homeland and acknowledges their central role in shaping the region. It honors the tribe's ancestors and descendants, committing to promote and protect their cultural heritage, sacred lands, and rightful place in Rhode Island history.
