Sen. Frank Ciccone

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure aims to honor police and law enforcement officers who have died while performing their duties by aligning with the national observance established by federal proclamation. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to various police organizations and associations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. This action serves as a formal state recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement rather than implementing new laws or policies.

Expands RI’s Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as eligible zero-emission resources and sets rules for how they qualify.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for businesses in Rhode Island that transition to employee ownership models, such as employee stock ownership plans, worker cooperatives, or employee ownership trusts. The credit covers up to 50% of conversion costs, with a maximum of $100,000 for full employee ownership transitions or $25,000 for partial equity structures, and allows an additional $25,000 credit for expanding existing employee ownership programs. To qualify, businesses must grant at least 20% ownership rights to eligible workers and provide them with decision-making rights comparable to current shareholders. The tax credit applies to income tax years between January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2029, and requires businesses to apply through the state Department of Revenue for certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes an $800,000 appropriation to WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization that hosts annual bonfire events on downtown Providence's three rivers. The funding is intended to provide operational support for the organization's programs, including its public events and community initiatives like the ArtLab and WaterFire Accelerate program. The resolution directs the state controller to draw payment from unappropriated treasury funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year upon receipt of proper documentation.

Prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that limit the agency's ability to install or run the software of the agency's choosing on their hardware.

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Maddy summarySB 2307 creates a legal presumption that property owners, tenants, or occupants acted in justified self-defense if a person dies or is injured while committing a violent crime (like burglary or assault) on their property. It applies when the property owner reasonably believed the intruder posed an imminent threat of serious harm or death to themselves or others lawfully present. The law presumes self-defense without requiring the owner to retreat, and this presumption can be challenged ("rebutted") in court. It directly affects property owners facing criminal or civil cases involving violent offenders injured or killed during crimes committed on their premises. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Allows vehicles owned and operated by the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Inc and/or its affiliates or subsidiaries to operate with forward facing red and white emergency lights.

Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.