Sen. Bridget Valverde

Maddy summarySB 44 grants the town council of South Kingstown the authority to create a homestead exemption ordinance. This ordinance would allow the council to reduce the assessed value of certain residential or mixed-use properties for local taxation by up to 10%. The exemption applies to properties used exclusively for residential purposes (with less than five units) or for a combination of residential and commercial uses, with a prorated amount for mixed-use properties. The town council would establish rules and regulations to determine eligibility for this exemption. This act is set to take effect on December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 632 is a Senate resolution requesting state and transportation authorities to study expanding MBTA commuter rail service between Providence and Wickford Junction. It specifically asks the Governor, RIDOT Director, and MBTA General Manager to explore increasing weekday evening service to Wickford and adding weekend service, based on current gaps (weekends currently lack Wickford stops). The resolution does not mandate changes but directs these agencies to report findings by June 2025. This affects MBTA operations, RIDOT coordination, and commuters traveling between Providence and Wickford Junction.

Maddy summarySB 478 amends licensing rules for midwives to expand their prescribing authority for specific medications related to maternal and infant health. Certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) would be permitted to prescribe up to 51 listed medications - including antibiotics for infections, medications for hemorrhage, prenatal vitamins, vaccines, and pain management - under oversight by the Department of Health. This directly affects licensed midwives and their patients by allowing midwives to address common health needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum without requiring physician referrals for these specific treatments. The bill does not change midwives' scope for complex medical conditions but formalizes existing practices for routine care. It is pending further committee review after a recent recommendation to hold it for additional study.

Maddy summarySB 100 eliminates the sunset date for child care assistance for eligible child care educators and staff working at least 20 hours weekly in licensed facilities. This permanent change (previously set to expire July 2025) ensures ongoing funding for these workers to access child care while they work, directly affecting early childhood educators and staff providing services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill requires the department to provide this assistance without time limits, maintaining the same eligibility criteria as current programs. This policy change specifically modifies Section (k) of the Rhode Island Works Program, making a temporary provision permanent for affected child care professionals.

Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments, including the right to clean and sanitary conditions and impose penalties for violations of the rights set forth in this chapter in the amount of $500 per violation.

Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.

Establishes guidelines for the expansion of high-quality public prekindergarten education programs for children ages three (3) and four (4) to increase children’s school readiness.

Created the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Allows the dismissal of a teacher after the March 1 deadline if there is gross misconduct by a teacher upon a student. Also allows the notice to be given at any time and will not have any time constraints.

Maddy summarySB 91, the Building Decarbonization Act of 2024, requires owners of large commercial and residential buildings (over 25,000 square feet) to benchmark energy use and meet future emissions standards. It establishes an Environmental Justice Advisory Board to help implement these rules and mandates that new buildings be "electric-ready" to support cleaner energy use. The law applies directly to building owners of qualifying properties, including multi-unit residential complexes and commercial spaces, while excluding public facilities and federal buildings. Key provisions include standardized energy reporting, performance targets, and dedicated funding to support compliance, aiming to reduce building emissions in line with Rhode Island’s 2050 net-zero goal.