Clarifies that buildings on leased land in the town of South Kingstown shall be taxed as real estate whether or not the leases are in writing or recorded.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island to honor children of service members. The measure highlights the sacrifices these families make and encourages the public to show support during this time. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Legion Post 85 Women's Auxiliary.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act to establish state-level procedures that prevent discrimination and vote suppression in elections. It directly affects political subdivisions across Rhode Island, including cities, towns, and state agencies, by prohibiting election policies that create disparities in voter participation or ability to participate in the political process. The law defines protected classes based on race, color, language-minority status, and other characteristics, and sets standards for identifying voter suppression and vote dilution without requiring proof of intentional discrimination. Key provisions include protections for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and early voting access, while allowing political subdivisions to adopt alternative election methods if they can show a compelling governmental interest.
Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates April 2026 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages residents to participate in financial education programs and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the RI JumpStart Coalition. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of personal finance skills.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 31, 2026, as "Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island Advocacy and Awareness Day" to honor the organization's efforts in supporting individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease. The resolution acknowledges the growing impact of the disease on Rhode Island's senior population and highlights the critical services provided by the Alzheimer's Association, such as caregiver support and education. By commemorating this date, the Senate aims to raise public awareness and encourage community support for those navigating the challenges of the disease. The Secretary of State is authorized to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits healthcare companies from unilaterally changing important terms in contracts with healthcare providers while the contracts are still active. It directly affects health plans and healthcare providers by requiring mutual written agreement for any contract changes or allowing changes only when required by state or federal law. The law defines material terms to include reimbursement rates, payment schedules, coverage rules, and quality requirements, ensuring providers have stability during contract periods. Any proposed changes not mandated by law must be given at least 90 days notice before a contract renewal takes effect.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 26, 2026, as "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House to honor the University of Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the university's achievements as a top public research institution and acknowledges its contributions to education, research, and economic development in the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the university president. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Rhode Island Senate's deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael J. Murphy, who passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. The bill honors Murphy's life by acknowledging his roles as a husband, father, community leader, and long-time basketball coach who dedicated over 35 years to mentoring youth at St. Joseph School. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Murphy's family as a formal gesture of respect.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies ownership and management authority for roads within the Quonset Business Park by designating them as public roads under the control of the Quonset Development Corporation. It establishes that the Quonset Development Corporation will have sole responsibility for maintaining, managing, and regulating traffic on these roads, including the authority to install traffic control devices and enforce traffic rules. The legislation updates state highway laws to remove these roads from the standard state planning classification system and ensures that traffic regulations apply to them only as directed by the Quonset Development Corporation.
