Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summarySB 2361 proposes a 1% annual tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects individuals and entities (like corporations) domiciled in Rhode Island, taxing their total assets including cash, investments, and most intangible property (like patents or brand value), minus specific exemptions. The tax is calculated based on the fair market value of assets owned or controlled as of December 31 each year, with adjustments for deaths during the tax year. This bill, currently introduced in the Senate Finance Committee, would create a new tax category under Rhode Island’s tax code without altering existing income or property taxes.

Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2027.

Caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription inhaler, prescription device, or prescription equipment to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per thirty (30) day supply.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands temporary disability insurance coverage in Rhode Island to include state employees, effective January 1, 2027. The legislation amends existing state laws to define state workers as eligible employees under the temporary disability insurance program, allowing them to receive benefits when unable to work due to sickness. Key provisions update definitions for terms like "employee" and "employment" to explicitly include service performed for the State of Rhode Island across all departments and agencies. The bill also clarifies how benefit calculations are determined for various groups, including military service members who return to civilian state employment.

Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and childcare centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.

Maddy summarySB 2531 prohibits the construction and operation of new plastic waste conversion facilities in Rhode Island by banning permits for such projects. The bill specifically targets facilities marketed as "chemical," "advanced," or "molecular" recycling (including those using gasification, pyrolysis, or depolymerization) that process plastic waste into fuels or chemicals. It defines these facilities broadly, regardless of their marketing claims or claimed efficiency, and states they disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color due to toxic emissions and environmental risks. The law applies immediately upon passage, preventing new facilities from obtaining state approvals while acknowledging existing operations.

Maddy summarySB 2624 discontinues Rhode Island's Jobs Development Act tax rate reductions by July 1, 2026. It ensures companies that qualified for rate reductions under the program before July 1, 2015, can maintain their existing rates through June 30, 2026, but no new rate reductions or credits will be authorized after June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects businesses participating in the state's qualified jobs tax incentive program. It ends future eligibility for the tax rate reductions while preserving existing benefits for qualifying companies. The law takes effect upon passage.

Prohibits employers from seeking/using credit reports in making hiring decisions concerning prospective employees, asking questions about the applicant's financial past during interviews or including credit history questions in their job applications.

Establishes, encourages and supports the establishment of family councils and resident councils in managed residential communities providing assisted living services.

Maddy summarySB 2441 imposes a $2-per-ton fee on solid waste disposal in Rhode Island, collected from waste haulers and landfill operators. Revenue from this fee funds a Compost Fund that awards grants to support composting facilities, organic waste diversion programs, and municipal waste reduction initiatives. Municipalities must opt into the fee program to qualify for related grants. The bill directly affects waste disposal companies, participating municipalities, and organizations seeking funding for composting infrastructure, aiming to reduce landfill use as Rhode Island's central landfill is projected to fill by 2043.