Sen. Tiara Mack

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the death of Glen D. Biddiscombe, Sr., a retired firefighter and emergency management official from Burrillville. The bill honors his career as a public safety professional, noting his service as a Harrisville firefighter, EMT instructor, police dispatcher, and director of the Burrillville Emergency Management Agency. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Debra, and family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 21, 2024, as "Korea Day" throughout the State of Rhode Island. The measure honors the contributions of the Korean American community, acknowledges the historical ties between Rhode Island and South Korea, and recognizes the state's economic relationship with the nation. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Korean American Association of Rhode Island and the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Boston.

Repeals the required HIV testing for an individual convicted under chapter 34.1 of title 11 and allows the option for HIV testing for any person convicted under this chapter.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally welcomes the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. The bill highlights the organization's contributions to youth development, community service, and outdoor education across the state, noting specific statistics on campers, service hours, and new members. It also acknowledges the council's plans to build a new Leadership and Program Center at Camp Champlin to expand its facilities and offerings. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute to the Scouts and their volunteer leaders rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 16, 2024, as "Zambarano Day" to honor the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano campus in Rhode Island. The bill acknowledges the facility's long history of providing critical long-term acute care services to patients with severe injuries and illnesses, as well as its role in planning a new state-of-the-art building. By passing this resolution, the Senate expresses its appreciation for the hospital staff and declares its ongoing support for the campus as an exemplary healthcare provider. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the hospital staff.

Maddy summarySB 2630 amends state zoning laws to establish uniform definitions and standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on the same lot as a primary home. The bill clarifies what constitutes an ADU, including detached units, garage conversions, and expanded primary dwellings, while also defining related terms like "abutter" and "adaptive reuse." By standardizing these definitions, the legislation aims to help towns and cities create consistent local zoning ordinances that allow for the construction of additional housing units.

Maddy summarySB 2237 proposes to increase the minimum cash wage for employees who receive tips, such as those in restaurants and hotels, from $3.89 to $6.75 per hour starting January 1, 2025. Under this bill, employers must pay this higher base rate to workers in industries where gratuities are customary, while still allowing them to count tips toward the overall minimum wage requirement. The legislation also updates the rules for calculating these wages and establishes a process for employers to provide proof that their tip-based wage systems comply with the new standards. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions for student workers in nonprofit organizations, who would continue to be paid at least 90% of the standard minimum wage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 12 through May 18, 2024, as "National Hospital Week" in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of healthcare professionals and facilities. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the vital role hospitals play in the state's economy and community health, noting that local hospitals generate thousands of jobs and provide extensive medical services. It formally acknowledges the dedication of nurses, doctors, and staff who deliver essential care to residents. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Rhode Island Pharmacy Advocacy Month" to honor the contributions of pharmacy professionals to public health. The bill encourages citizens, healthcare workers, and organizations to participate in events that highlight the vital role pharmacists play in medication therapy and patient care. It also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the state Board of Pharmacy.

Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.