Sen. Matt LaMountain

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state's criminal injuries compensation program to include victims of hit-and-run incidents who suffer serious bodily injury. Currently, the program covers compensation for various violent crimes, but this legislation specifically adds failure to stop after a collision causing significant harm to the list of eligible offenses. By making this change, the law allows these victims to apply for financial assistance from the crime victim compensation fund, which is administered by a state office. The measure takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to expand access to support for individuals injured in traffic accidents where the driver fled the scene.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Rhode Island residents who convert their existing gas-powered vehicles to run on alternative fuels like electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen. The credit covers up to 50% of the equipment and labor costs for the conversion, with a maximum limit of $2,000 for most vehicles and $3,000 for heavier ones, but the amount cannot exceed the taxpayer's total income tax liability. To qualify, the conversion must be completed in the same year the credit is claimed, and sellers of alternative fuel cannot claim the credit for converting their own company vehicles.

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 170th anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity, which established formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. The bill highlights the historical significance of Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition and celebrates the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, as well as specific ties between Rhode Island and Japan in areas like trade, education, and culture. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to federal officials, the President, and the Japanese Consul General to formally acknowledge this milestone.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 19, 2024, as Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1914-1922 atrocities committed against Pontian Greeks. The measure formally acknowledges the historical events in which the Ottoman Empire systematically killed hundreds of thousands of people and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Greek community leaders in the United States and Greece. By adopting this proclamation, the Rhode Island Senate joins the Greek-American community in commemorating the anniversary of the genocide and recognizing the contributions of survivors and their descendants to the state's culture.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about communication disorders. The bill urges state agencies, including the Departments of Human Services and Elementary and Secondary Education, to organize hearing screenings and special events during this month. It also encourages educators, specialists, and the public to acknowledge the work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists who help individuals manage these conditions. By transmitting copies of the resolution to relevant officials and organizations, the state aims to promote better understanding and support for those affected by hearing, language, and speech issues.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the Manissean Tribal Natives of Block Island and honors their ancestors and descendants. It acknowledges the tribe's long history on the island, noting their significant population decline over time and their traditional lifestyle of fishing, hunting, and farming. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the current President of the Manissean Tribe. This measure serves as a symbolic gesture to support the preservation of the tribe's culture and historical sites rather than enacting new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of individuals to clear their criminal records by allowing the expungement of multiple non-violent felony convictions ten years after the sentence is completed. It also permits the expungement of multiple misdemeanor convictions after ten years, provided the person has not committed new crimes during that period and has paid all related court fees. The law explicitly excludes anyone convicted of a crime of violence from these expungement provisions and requires that applicants demonstrate good moral character and a lack of new arrests or convictions since their last offense. Additionally, the bill allows for the expungement of records related to offenses that have been decriminalized since the original conviction took place.

Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.

Phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a 4 year period for social security income, from 25% up to 100%, beginning on or after January 1, 2025.