Sen. Frank Ciccone

Maddy summarySB 2276 repeals the state's current law on unreasonable noise levels, which set specific limits (such as sound audible 100 feet away or penetrating a vehicle from 20 feet) and replaces it with a provision allowing cities and towns to establish their own local noise control ordinances. Municipalities will be able to set their own maximum sound levels for different activities, considering factors like time of day, proximity to homes, and whether noise comes from residential or commercial sources. The bill removes state-level noise restrictions but does not impose new state regulations, shifting responsibility for noise control to local governments. This change takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in Rhode Island law requiring law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities to identify and verify the veteran status of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. It mandates that agencies use federal databases to confirm veteran status within 24 hours of law enforcement contact, 21 days for parolees, and 7 days for inmates, then share this information with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Verified veterans gain access to veterans justice outreach specialists who assist with connecting to VA healthcare, federal benefits, specialty courts, and diversion programs. The bill also requires weekly reporting of verified veterans to relevant state agencies and courts to ensure coordinated support services.

Requires that certain data centers requiring large amounts of electricity be required to fund the cost of necessary infrastructure improvements to supply such electricity.

Maddy summarySB 2518 creates Rhode Island's first Interior Design Practice Act, establishing a registration system for interior designers. It directly affects interior designers practicing in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with a new state board and hold NCIDQ certification. The bill defines "practice" as nonstructural interior design work (like space planning and material selection) while explicitly excluding structural engineering or architectural services. It sets standards for education, experience, continuing education, and professional oversight to ensure public safety in interior design projects.

Maddy summarySB 2346 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the development of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects data center developers and operators who meet the bill's criteria, including those making eligible costs for construction, equipment, and site development. The key provision allows qualifying data center projects to avoid these taxes on specific expenses like land, buildings, equipment, and labor costs related to construction. This policy aims to attract data center investments by reducing development costs for businesses meeting the defined standards. The bill modifies existing law governing the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to implement these tax incentives.

Authorizes the Johnston town council to set tax exemption limit to an amount determined by the city council via ordinance or resolution for qualified individuals defined in the act.

Maddy summarySB 2078, the School Libraries Act, requires every public school in Rhode Island (including traditional schools, charters, and vocational schools) to have a permanent library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates that schools with 250+ students have a full-time librarian by 2027 (high schools), 2029 (middle/high schools), and 2031 (all K-12), while smaller schools must have at least half-time coverage. The bill specifies that libraries must include adequate book collections, student study space, technology, and daily student access, with librarians available during open library time. It also defines key terms like "information literacy" and "media literacy" to guide implementation. The law would take effect upon passage.

Requires employers to protect employees from extreme temperatures through rest breaks, PPE, training, and equipment, and mandates quarterly supervisor training, to recognize and mitigate heat- and cold-related risks.

Maddy summarySB 2390 reclassifies certain gift card fraud offenses as theft (larceny), directly affecting gift card holders and those who commit fraud against them. It makes it a crime to steal or alter gift cards or their redemption information with intent to defraud, imposing fines up to $1,000 or one year in jail for amounts under $1,500. For offenses exceeding $1,500 or recurring within six months, standard larceny penalties apply. The bill defines key terms like "cardholder" and "forgery" to clarify these offenses. This changes penalties from civil fines to criminal charges for significant fraud.

Increases the fines for certain traffic offenses to one hundred dollars ($100) and adds fines of one hundred dollars ($100) for offenses required by law but omitted from the schedule.