Reduces the number of years from five (5) to three (3), when calculating for retirement purposes, the average of the highest consecutive years of compensation, for teachers, and state and municipal employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill mandates the creation of a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" for drivers with autism spectrum disorder in Rhode Island. The Department of Motor Vehicles must develop this initiative in partnership with law enforcement leaders and disability advocates to improve communication between police officers and these drivers during traffic stops. Participation in the program is entirely optional, and the DMV will look at successful models from other states when designing the system. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.
Prohibits the charging of any fees to a senior citizen who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. The violation of this provision would be a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.
Adds "loose material" to the contents of a vehicle that must be covered by a covering that must remain in place until the vehicle's contents are purged from the vehicle.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences for the passing of Paul T. DeRoche, a long-time lobbyist and Senior Vice President for Government Affairs with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. The bill formally acknowledges his thirty-seven-year career representing the business community and his significant contributions to legislative affairs in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Helen Caldwell and her family as a gesture of respect and sympathy.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution celebrates the 75th anniversary of NBC 10 WJAR, a television station serving Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts since 1949. The bill honors the station's history of innovation and community service, noting its milestones such as early live broadcasts, weather coverage during the 1978 Blizzard, and numerous journalism awards. It specifically recognizes the legacy of long-serving staff members, including engineer Larry Silva, who is retiring after 57 years. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the station's news director as a formal acknowledgment of its contributions.
Requires that public utilities plan utility work in accordance with the state transportation improvement program schedules when working on state roads.
Prohibits contractors and subcontractors from paying employees the cash equivalent of any applicable healthcare benefit in lieu of actually purchasing the healthcare benefit. Violations would be subject to civil fines.
Provides that the fifth day in April in each year be designated as "Rhode Island Gold Star Spouses Day" with appropriate exercises in public places and with flags flown at half-staff over the state house.
