Sen. Matt LaMountain

Establishes a revolving fund to assist first-time home buyers and veterans to purchase a home in Rhode Island by issuing grants of up to forty thousand dollars ($40,000).

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.

Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first- time homebuyers saving account with Rhode Island Housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home.

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.

Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

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 summarySB 320 requires every Rhode Island high school to have a certified athletic trainer present at all athletic and recreational events. It mandates that student athletes suspected of head injuries be immediately removed from play and must receive written medical clearance before returning. School districts must provide concussion education materials to athletes, parents, and staff, including annual training for coaches and school nurses. The bill also encourages baseline brain function testing for athletes and requires parents to sign concussion information forms before each sport season.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 368) formally welcomes Scouting America's Narragansett Council to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. It expresses gratitude for the Council's community service, including 19,653 volunteer hours and 177,847 pounds of food collected in 2024. The resolution is purely ceremonial with no policy changes or funding provisions, serving only to recognize the organization's contributions. It was passed unanimously by the Senate on February 25, 2025.