Sen. Lou Raptakis

Maddy summarySB 475, the "David Casey Act," requires public and private golf courses to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. This law expands existing requirements for AEDs at healthcare facilities and other public places (like schools, restaurants, and sports arenas) to specifically include golf courses. The bill mandates that all golf courses, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately operated, must maintain an AED accessible for immediate use in emergencies. This policy change directly affects golf course operators by adding a new safety equipment requirement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1136) formally recognizes June 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state's cultural, economic, and social fabric, particularly highlighting communities in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Newport. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share certified copies with the Governor, Portuguese officials, and the Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the community's legacy.

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Provides that a school district could elect and choose to not spend money on any mandate that is not fully funded through the state education aid formula.

Maddy summarySB 895 suspends the gross earnings tax on electric and gas utility companies from January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2035. Specifically, it stops the 4% tax on electricity corporations (as defined in subsection 2) and the 3% tax on gas corporations (as defined in subsection 6) during this period. The bill does not permanently repeal the tax but delays its collection for a decade. This directly affects utility companies that generate electricity or distribute gas to the public. The suspension takes effect on January 1, 2026, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summarySB 409 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax calculation for residents. It adds certain income types to taxable income, including nonqualified withdrawals from college savings plans (like funds used for non-educational expenses) and forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans exceeding $250,000. It also allows a deduction of up to $500 (or $1,000 for joint filers) for contributions to Rhode Island's tuition savings program. The bill directly affects residents with these specific income sources or contributions, effective January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 433 requires the state auditor general to conduct annual audits of all state agencies to evaluate how effectively and efficiently they operate, including checking compliance with laws on equal employment and minority business requirements. These audits will review agency programs, financial practices, and spending of public funds, with findings reported to the legislature. Agencies that fail to meet audit standards must be reported to the governor and top legislative leaders by January 1 each year. This bill directly affects all state agencies, including those managing education, public services, and other government operations.

Exempts from the sales tax firearm safety equipment, storage devices, gun safes, gun cabinets, gun vaults, gun cases, strong boxes, cable locks, trigger locks and biometric locks.

Mandates that any surplus state tax revenue received in any fiscal year would be refunded to the taxpayers of this state on a proportional basis in relation to the personal income tax liability incurred by the taxpayers in that fiscal year.