Sen. Pam Lauria

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 28, 2026, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" throughout Rhode Island. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to patient care and public health within the state. By declaring this specific date, the resolution encourages citizens and healthcare organizations to participate in events that highlight the role of pharmacy professionals in shaping healthcare policy. Additionally, the Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England for their long-standing work in empowering girls through leadership and community service. The bill formally expresses gratitude to the organization and its volunteers for their contributions to youth development and environmental stewardship in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Dana Borrelli-Murray, as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit program to encourage investments in small Rhode Island businesses with 99 or fewer employees. Under the new Rhode Island Local Investment Tax Credit Act, eligible taxpayers who invest in qualifying local businesses could receive a 50% tax credit, up to a maximum of $3,000 per business and $3,000 total per year. To qualify, the business must be headquartered in Rhode Island, derive at least 80% of its revenue from state operations, and hold at least 80% of its assets within the state. The state would annually appropriate funds from the general fund to offset any revenue loss from the tax credits, and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Strategic Fund would manage the certification process for eligible investments.

Allows a pregnant member or member that has given birth in the past six (6) months to appear remotely and permits any member that participates in a meeting remotely to vote at that meeting, provided that the meeting is held in person.

Eliminates the sunset on the provision of funding, modify eligibility requirement to 85% of state median income and expand funding to at least 20 hours per week.

Maddy summarySB 2364 raises Rhode Island's earned-income tax credit (EITC) percentage from its current rate to 30% for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This change directly benefits low-to-moderate income workers and families who qualify for the EITC, particularly those with children. The bill amends Section 44-30-2.6 of Rhode Island's tax code to implement this increase, which will reduce the tax burden for eligible filers. The adjustment applies to the credit amount calculated based on federal income tax returns, not to overall tax rates. This policy change is effective starting in 2027.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $15,200,000 to cities and towns to purchase firefighter and rescue personnel protective gear which is PFAS free.

Maddy summarySB 2517 (2026) requires all ATMs in Rhode Island to display a consumer’s real-time available account balance *before* a cash withdrawal is completed. This affects every consumer using an ATM in the state and all banks, credit unions, and ATM operators (including non-bank owners) that provide cash withdrawal services. The key mechanism mandates a clear, prominent balance display before entering withdrawal amounts, with an option to cancel without charge, and prohibits fees for balance inquiries or declined transactions. The law, effective January 1, 2027, will be enforced by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation through fines for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state procurement rules to allow the state to purchase food and food supplies worth less than $25,000 in total under existing small purchase regulations. It directly affects state agencies responsible for procuring food items by adjusting the monetary threshold for these transactions. The key provision permits smaller aggregate purchases without requiring additional approval processes, streamlining how the state acquires food supplies. This change applies specifically to state purchases and does not alter broader procurement laws for other types of goods or services.

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.