Sen. Alana DiMario

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Rhode Island residents who convert their existing gas-powered vehicles to run on alternative fuels like electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen. The credit covers up to 50% of the equipment and labor costs for the conversion, with a maximum limit of $2,000 for most vehicles and $3,000 for heavier ones, but the amount cannot exceed the taxpayer's total income tax liability. To qualify, the conversion must be completed in the same year the credit is claimed, and sellers of alternative fuel cannot claim the credit for converting their own company vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state fund to provide tuition and related expense assistance to individuals pursuing teacher certification in shortage fields, specifically science and mathematics for grades seven through twelve. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a Rhode Island postsecondary program to become teachers in these areas, and the financial aid is intended to cover costs such as tuition, room, board, and books after other aid has been applied. Recipients are required to complete at least three years of full-time teaching in a shortage field within the state, or the assistance they received will convert into a loan that must be repaid. The Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner will administer the program, update the list of shortage fields biennially, and report annually on the fund's usage while maintaining applicant privacy.

Provides that the $5,500,000 appropriation to the infrastructure bank from the 2023 budget act be allocated for eligible municipal infrastructure grant program projects.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the Manissean Tribal Natives of Block Island and honors their ancestors and descendants. It acknowledges the tribe's long history on the island, noting their significant population decline over time and their traditional lifestyle of fishing, hunting, and farming. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the current President of the Manissean Tribe. This measure serves as a symbolic gesture to support the preservation of the tribe's culture and historical sites rather than enacting new laws or funding.

Provides that any disaster response worker shall, in the course of their duties, be considered a state employee under the provisions of chapters 29 through 38 of title 28 and under § 9-31-8 of the general laws.

Prohibits prior authorization or a step therapy protocol for the prescription of a nonpreferred medication on their drug formulary used to assess or treat an enrollee's bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizotypal.

Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Requires the department of children, youth and families (DCYF) to conduct periodic comprehensive needs assessments to determine whether the department's programs and services meet the needs of children and families.

Requires executive office of health and human services to establish an early childhood mental health hub program focused on improving access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under age 6 and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the charter for the Bonnet Shores Fire District to clarify who is eligible to vote and to ban proxy voting, requiring all residents to cast their ballots in person. It establishes that voters must be registered residents of the Town of Narragansett and allows for absentee or early voting methods only if approved by the district council, provided these methods do not let one person vote for another. The legislation also outlines the district's structure, including the election of officers like a clerk and council members, while ensuring that any future changes to the district's rules must be approved by a majority of voters at a special meeting.