This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s minimum wage from May 4, 2025, to May 4, 2026, and said commission would expire on January 4, 2027.
Allows for a qualified abandonment of public town roads which grants a public easement over said road allowing it to be converted to walking, biking, and hiking trails and access to parks, nature preserves and other recreational facilities.
Maddy summarySB 335 removes an existing exemption that allowed entire residences (like houses, condos, or apartments) to be rented without paying the state's 5% hotel tax. This change affects landlords and property managers who rent out whole properties, requiring them to collect and remit the tax starting January 1, 2026. The bill amends tax code to clarify that such rentals are no longer exempt, aligning them with traditional hotel or short-term rental services. The tax applies in addition to standard sales taxes and will be administered by the state division of taxation.
Maddy summarySB 63 clarifies the legal definitions of criminal offense categories in the state's law. It specifies that a felony is any offense punishable by more than one year in prison or a fine over $1,000; a misdemeanor is punishable by 6 months to 364 days in prison or a fine up to $1,000; and a petty misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine up to $500. The bill also explicitly states that any reference to "one year" in legal texts should be interpreted as 364 days. This change directly affects all criminal cases classified under these categories, ensuring consistent application of penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies retirement benefits for judges who served on Rhode Island's Workers' Compensation Court. It replaces fixed 3% annual cost-of-living adjustments with a new formula tied to the retirement system's five-year investment returns, capped at $35,000 (adjusted for inflation) for retirees who retired before 2009. The changes apply to retired judges and their surviving spouses or domestic partners, with different rules for those retiring before or after 2009. The new calculation affects how retirement payments increase each year, using a formula that considers investment performance rather than a fixed percentage.
Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2026.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 367), not a law with policy changes. It formally celebrates the 90th birthday of Robert Edward Kenahan on February 8, 2025, recognizing his career service as a Rhode Island State Police officer (20 years), U.S. Navy veteran (Korean Conflict), and security professional. The Senate passed the resolution on February 25, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mr. Kenahan. It has no effect on laws, regulations, or any individual's rights or obligations.
Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.
Sets a mandatory retirement age of 75 for all justices and magistrates of the superior, district, workers’ compensation, family and traffic tribunal courts and provide that no pension or retirement benefits be affected thereby.
Maddy summarySB 338, the Economic and Climate Resilience Act of 2025, imposes a fee on fossil fuel companies selling coal, oil, natural gas, and similar products in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund a dedicated "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund" to support specific programs. This fund will provide job training for workers transitioning to clean energy, improve energy efficiency for low-income households and small businesses, and help businesses that use significant energy. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet Rhode Island's 2035 climate goals, and address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. It directly affects fossil fuel sellers (who pay the fee) and benefits Rhode Island residents, particularly low-income households and energy-intensive businesses.
