Allows a party to condition a transaction by electronic means on their stated desire to obtain and receive a written copy of the document in English or Spanish before electronic execution of the agreement or performance is required of the party.
Creates a 17-member Commission to study Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce related to educating and retaining primary care providers and who would report back annually to the President of the Senate.
Maddy summarySB 2449 proposes to exempt energy storage systems from sales and use taxes in the state, as defined in § 39-33-1. This change would directly affect businesses selling these systems, as they would no longer collect sales tax on such transactions. The bill amends existing tax law by adding a new exemption category under "Gross receipts exempt from sales and use taxes." The exemption covers the sale and use of energy storage systems within the state, aligning with existing tax exemptions for items like newspapers and school meals. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
Maddy summarySB 2244 exempts behind-the-meter batteries connected to solar photovoltaic systems from Rhode Island's sales tax. This directly affects homeowners and businesses installing solar energy systems with battery storage, reducing their upfront costs. The bill amends tax law to add these battery systems to the list of exempt items under sales tax rules, specifically clarifying that batteries used to store solar energy for on-site use are not taxable. The change aims to lower costs for solar adoption without altering existing tax exemptions for other items like newspapers or school meals.
Provides that funds or monies collected by designated quasi-public corporations or agencies not be subject to transfer or reallocation by order of the governor or general assembly.
Limits use of restraints on juveniles in transport and court proceedings to safety or escape risks, requires least restrictive methods, and mandates reporting on when and why restraints were used.
Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.
Allows Rhode Island employers can help pay employees’ student loans in high-need fields if they work full-time for 2 years in undeserved areas and are in an income driven repayment plan. RISLA must provide annual reporting.
Amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to set the regionalization bonus at 2% of the state's share of foundation education aid for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026, and for each year thereafter.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Rhode Island state agencies to expand access to retirement advice and guidance for state employees to help them achieve secure retirements. The bill recommends agencies develop programs offering regular workshops, one-on-one counseling from certified financial advisors, decision-support tools, and multiple communication channels for employees. It specifically encourages prioritizing support for employees facing greater retirement challenges and recommends partnering with qualified financial providers to ensure workers understand their hybrid retirement plans. The resolution also calls for measuring program effectiveness through employee engagement data and encourages employees to assess whether they are on track to receive 80 percent of their pre-retirement income.
