Sen. Dominick Ruggerio

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of family court magistrates to hear contested divorce cases, which directly impacts individuals navigating divorce proceedings in family court. Previously, these contested matters were typically handled by judges, but the legislation now allows magistrates to preside over them as well. The change aims to increase judicial capacity within the family court system by broadening the types of cases magistrates can manage. Once enacted, the law takes effect immediately without requiring the governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 2322 amends state property tax laws to allow holders of a life estate to claim veteran's tax exemptions on the real property they own. This change directly affects individuals who possess a life estate in a property, enabling them to use the same tax breaks previously reserved for veterans and their unmarried widows or widowers. The bill does not create new exemptions but rather clarifies that life estate holders are eligible for the existing exemptions, which vary by municipality and can range from $1,000 to over $40,000 depending on the town. By making this adjustment, the legislation ensures that life estate owners in specific towns can reduce their property tax bills just like other qualifying veterans.

Amends the law consistent with the advent of iGaming and new technology. It also codifies the payment of investigatory expenses incurred by the State in limited circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, a voluntary initiative designed to help private sector workers save for retirement. Administered by the state treasurer, the program allows eligible private employers to automatically deduct small amounts from employees' paychecks into individual retirement accounts. The legislation defines who can participate, sets rules for how the money is invested, and requires the program to offer educational resources to help employees make informed decisions about their savings.

Makes care recipients eligible for temporary caregiver benefits and increase the maximum temporary caregiver benefit weeks from six (6) to eight (8) weeks over of period of two years.

Adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact and would establish a joint public agency known as the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact commission to administer the provisions of the compact between the states.

Increases the maximum amount of credit a video lottery retailer may extend to a patron and would authorize certain amendments to the regulatory agreement involving Bally's Corporation and affiliates of Bally's.

Permits euthanization of vicious dogs upon finding that dogs condition warrants euthanasia or after determination that there is no reasonable placement for the dog/provides any municipality that surrenders dog to RISPCA shall be responsible for costs.

Authorizes Providence to issue not more than $400,000,000 general obligation bonds & notes to finance the construction, related demolition, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing and equipping of schools throughout the city.

Amends provisions relative to the levy and assessment of local taxes and would provide that the city of Providence may adopt a tax classification with unrestricted tax rates for certain classes of property.