Sen. Elaine Morgan

Maddy summarySB 280 updates Rhode Island law to replace "state marshals" with "capitol police" in lists of law enforcement officers exempt from firearm restrictions. The bill specifically amends two statutes (11-47-9 and 11-47-35.1) to ensure capitol police officers qualify for the same exemptions as other sworn law enforcement personnel. This means capitol police officers, like state marshals previously, can carry concealed firearms while on duty without violating state firearm laws. The change directly affects capitol police officers by formally including them in the exemption list. The bill became effective without the governor's signature on June 26, 2025.

Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.

Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1146) symbolically recognizes June 14, 2025, as "National Flag Day" in Rhode Island, aligning with the established U.S. observance of Flag Day. It has no binding policy effects or direct impact on residents, businesses, or government operations. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the National Flag Day Foundation, serving only as a ceremonial acknowledgment. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws, obligations, or funding.

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.

Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) of social security income for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

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 416 phases out Rhode Island's 1% local meals and beverage tax by gradually reducing it 0.25% annually starting in 2026, eliminating the tax entirely by January 1, 2029. The bill directly affects restaurants, bars, and other eating establishments that currently collect this tax on meals and beverages sold for immediate consumption. Key provisions include annual tax reductions beginning January 1, 2026, with the tax fully expiring on January 1, 2029. This change will end local revenue from this tax source for cities and towns that previously received quarterly distributions. The bill takes effect upon passage but is currently under further study in committee.

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.