Sen. Stefano Famiglietti

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive and currently incurable disease. The bill aims to educate the public about the condition and show support for patients, their families, and researchers working toward a cure. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to ALS United RI, a local organization that advocates for people living with the disease.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Rhode Island. The bill aims to honor the historical contributions and cultural diversity of these communities within the state by encouraging residents to participate in educational programs and activities. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to individuals who have promoted AANHPI culture and history during a specific ceremony on May 19, 2026.

Provides that a school district could elect and choose to not spend money on any mandate that is not fully funded through the state education aid formula.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Julie Leddy, the Executive Director of the Coventry Housing Authority, as she retires after twenty-nine years of service. The measure formally congratulates her and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her. It acknowledges her leadership in maintaining the authority's status as a high-performing agency and expanding affordable housing opportunities for residents. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of her contributions to the community.

Provides that retirees in the state pension system receive cost of living adjustments compounded into the retiree’s total retirement benefits each year beginning January 1, 2026. This act would be prospective only.

Maddy summarySB 2446 adds probation and parole officers to the list of state law enforcement professionals eligible for retirement benefits under Rhode Island's retirement system. This change, effective January 1, 2027, ensures these officers receive the same retirement benefits as existing groups like deputy sheriffs and firefighters. The bill amends specific retirement statutes to include probation and parole officers in the defined category of eligible employees. Service credits earned before 2027 will follow the retirement rules in place before the change.

Maddy summarySB 2027 adjusts compensation limits for retired teachers returning to work in specific educational roles. It maintains a $15,000 annual pay cap for retired teachers providing driver education instruction (as specified in subsection d)(3)), while establishing a separate $25,000 annual cap for retired teachers teaching general classroom instruction at state colleges/universities (subsection d)(2)). The bill directly affects retired educators certified in driver education or classroom teaching who return to part-time work. Key provisions require no reduction of retirement benefits during such employment, prohibit additional service credits, and mandate monthly reporting to the retirement board. The change does not alter existing retirement benefits but sets clear annual pay limits for these specific post-retirement roles.

Maddy summarySB 2090 changes retirement benefit calculations for police officers and firefighters employed by towns and cities. Starting July 1, 2026, their retirement allowance will be based on their accrued benefit as of June 30, 2026, plus 2.5% of their final compensation for each year of service after that date. Retirees who are 57 with at least 30 years of service will continue using the previous formula until 2026 and then switch to the new calculation for service after that date. The bill preserves existing options for how benefits are paid to survivors after retirement.

Affords an option for police and firefighters to receive retirement allowances, without reduction, who seek retirement after twenty (20) years of service, upon reaching age fifty-seven (57).

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