Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 28, 2024, as "Arts Advocacy Day" in Rhode Island to highlight the economic and cultural value of the arts sector. The bill recognizes that the arts contribute billions to the state economy and support local businesses, while also benefiting students through arts education programs. It urges residents to appreciate and support artists and cultural organizations, particularly those affected by pandemic-related shutdowns. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to set a statewide cap of 12% per year on the interest or penalties that cities and towns can charge on unpaid local taxes. Currently, local municipalities have the authority to set these rates up to 18%, but this legislation would lower that maximum limit for most towns while keeping the existing 12% cap for the city of Cranston. The change aims to standardize the maximum cost of late payments across the state by amending the General Laws regarding local tax assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends teacher certifications for three or five years without fees or penalties for educators who were already certified as of July 1, 2024. It also waives application and exam fees for new teacher certifications during the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Additionally, the law allows teachers with at least three years of experience to earn additional certifications by taking exams or completing coursework, and it directs the state education department to create more flexible pathways for obtaining teacher and administrator credentials.

Brings greater public scrutiny to the public auction sales of real estate in Rhode Island by requiring public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein shall only be done in person, not by electronic or remote procedures.

Increases the state earned-income credit as of January 1, 2025 to seventeen percent (17%) of the federal earned-income credit, not to exceed the amount of state income tax.

Provides the state would cover dialysis for the treatment of end stage renal disease ("ESRD") and kidney transplants for persons who do not qualify for full Medicaid due to their immigration status.

Maddy summarySB 2875 requires health insurance policies in the state to cover qualified interpreter services for medically necessary doctor visits involving non-English-speaking patients. This mandate applies to individual and group health plans, hospital policies, and health maintenance organizations that are delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. The bill specifies that interpreters must be provided for one-on-one, face-to-face interactions during these appointments, provided that federal laws do not already require such coverage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 20-28, 2024, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in Rhode Island to highlight the financial and health challenges faced by women and girls struggling to afford menstrual products. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the issue and encourage efforts to break the stigma surrounding menstruation while advocating for better access and funding. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to specific local organizations, including Brown University and the RI Foundation, to support their work in addressing period poverty.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week, taking place from May 19 to May 25, 2024, in Rhode Island. The bill formally acknowledges the vital role of emergency medical services providers, including over 4,000 licensed practitioners across 83 agencies who deliver critical care around the clock. It encourages all Rhode Islanders to recognize the contributions of these professionals and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 21, 2024, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island to recognize the contributions of Cox Communications and its charitable arm, Cox Charities. The bill highlights the company's history of funding STEM and community programs for youth across the Northeast and lists specific local organizations that received grants in 2024. By formally proclaiming this date, the resolution acknowledges Cox's philanthropic efforts in areas such as education, the environment, and civic engagement. The measure also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to Cox Communications officials.