Sen. Stefano Famiglietti

Maddy summarySB 2355 allows retired state employees to be reemployed by municipalities without losing their retirement benefits, directly affecting retired state workers seeking part-time or limited-term municipal roles. The bill removes previous restrictions that required suspending retirement benefits during reemployment, permitting up to 75 working days or 150 half-days per year (with pay suspension if exceeded) without benefit forfeiture. It specifically prohibits additional retirement contributions or service credits for this reemployment and requires monthly notices to the retirement board. The bill applies to all retired state employees under Titles 16, 36, or 45, excluding certain exempt roles like elected officials or specific teaching/nursing positions covered under separate subsections.

Maddy summarySB 2410 sets a maximum 8-hour workday for most state peace officers (and 10 hours for correctional officer stewards) in the Department of Corrections, prohibiting mandatory overtime beyond these hours. Exceptions allow overtime only during unforeseeable emergencies like riots, but only after the state exhausts reasonable efforts to secure staff from available qualified employees. If the state violates the law by requiring unauthorized overtime, it must pay affected employees double time and a half for the overtime worked. The bill does not affect voluntary overtime or existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 4, 2026, as Rhode Island Independence Day to mark the 250th anniversary of the state's historic Act of Renunciation. The bill recognizes the General Assembly's 1776 decision to reject allegiance to the British Crown as a unique act of defiance that preceded the national Declaration of Independence. By passing this measure, the Senate directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor and the state's congressional delegation. The text serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of Rhode Island's role in the American Revolution rather than establishing new laws or changing government procedures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States and honors the contributions of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to YMCA leadership as a gesture of appreciation for their community work.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution condemns all forms of political violence and reaffirms the principles of civility and democratic governance in Rhode Island. It specifically denounces a recent attempted attack on President Donald J. Trump and calls on citizens and leaders to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue and the ballot box rather than intimidation. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this statement to the President and state congressional representatives, serving as a formal expression of the Senate's stance rather than a change in law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as "Out-of-School Time Month" in Rhode Island to honor the value of afterschool and summer programs for youth. The bill aims to raise awareness about how these programs support children's academic, social, and emotional development while acknowledging the dedicated professionals who run them. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association to celebrate their work.

Maddy summarySB 2536 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax code to exclude up to $25,000 of social security income from taxable income for residents. This change applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, directly affecting Rhode Island residents receiving social security benefits. The bill amends Section 44-30-12 to add this exclusion as a modification reducing federal adjusted gross income. It does not change other tax provisions but specifically lowers taxable income for qualifying social security recipients. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee after introduction on February 13, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2672 would gradually reduce the state's personal income tax rates over time. This bill directly affects individuals who pay state income tax by lowering their tax burden through phased cuts. The key mechanism involves decreasing tax rates in scheduled steps rather than all at once, as outlined in the bill's abstract. The bill was introduced to the Senate Finance Committee on February 27, 2026, and remains in early legislative review.

Maddy summarySB 2251 eliminates Rhode Island's estate tax by repealing Chapter 44-22 of the General Laws, which previously imposed taxes on decedents' estates. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents whose estates would have been subject to state estate tax upon death, removing their obligation to pay this tax. The key mechanism is the complete repeal of the existing estate tax code, including all tax rate brackets (ranging from 2% to 9%) and specific deductions outlined in the repealed chapter. As a result, estates passing through Rhode Island will no longer face state-level taxation on transfers following a death.

Maddy summarySB 2228 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax code to adjust how social security income is treated for tax purposes. Starting with tax years beginning January 1, 2027, the bill allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income specifically for all social security benefits received by residents. This change directly affects Rhode Island residents who receive Social Security payments, as it alters how those benefits are counted toward their state taxable income. The bill does not change the federal tax treatment of social security benefits but adjusts the state-level calculation. The provision is part of broader tax code amendments but focuses specifically on social security income for state tax computation.