Sen. Lou Raptakis

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Amends the public law incorporating Western Coventry Fire District to require a referendum & affirmative vote of the fire district electors prior to any merge/consolidation of the district with any other district or with the fire department of Coventry.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 2637 commemorates the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2026, and recognizes the contributions of Dominicans to Rhode Island and the United States. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Dominican Republic's leadership and the Dominican-American Association, highlighting the community's economic and civic impact in Rhode Island (approximately 54,000 people). As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 2636) commemorates Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan, who died in a violent incident at Pawtucket's Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game on February 16, 2026. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest sympathy to their families and commends the heroism of first responders, law enforcement, and citizens who intervened during the tragedy. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic gesture of condolence and gratitude, directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Dorgan families and Pawtucket's mayor.

Creates a state-run pilot program in Rhode Island that provides paid, low-barrier employment to individuals experiencing homelessness for community beautification and cleanup projects while connecting participants to supportive services.

Maddy summarySB 2544 suspends the 4% gross earnings tax on electric utility companies and the 3% tax on gas utility companies until January 1, 2036. This directly affects electric and gas utility corporations operating in the state by removing these tax obligations for nearly a decade. The bill amends tax code provisions to halt these specific tax rates, which would otherwise apply to their gross earnings from electricity and gas services. The suspension begins January 1, 2027, and remains in effect through 2035.

Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.

Exempts a single-family, primary residence, owned by a taxpayer, who is at least sixty-five (65) years old, and has been a Rhode Island resident for at least forty (40) years. It also excludes multi-family and income-producing properties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2511) ceremonially recognizes February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's service. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges United Way 211's role in connecting residents to essential services (like housing, food, mental health, and disaster response) 24/7 since 2007. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way of Rhode Island and community partners. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SR 2515), not a law. It designates February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution recognizes the importance of children's oral health, highlights challenges like preventable cavities and access barriers, and encourages residents to support existing efforts promoting oral health education and preventive care. It does not create new programs or change funding; it simply makes a formal acknowledgment to raise awareness.