Sen. Frank Ciccone

Provides that a student's enrollment in Medicaid would be included in calculating and determining the student success factor for use in the foundation education-aid formula.

Prohibits sale and possession of assault weapons, as defined and would provide certain exemptions to include law enforcement officers and those individuals legally in possession of any such firearm at the time of passage of this act.

Maddy summarySB 83 removes an existing rule that allowed certain lenders to operate without a license if they made fewer than six loans within a twelve-month period. This change means that any person or entity making loans, regardless of volume below six per year, will now be required to obtain a lender's license. The bill amends Section 19-14.1-10 of the General Laws, affecting those who lend money in the state.

Maddy summarySB 914 removes the registration fee and plate transfer charge for special motor vehicle plates issued to recipients of the United States Army Distinguished Service Cross medal. Previously, these individuals were required to pay these fees for their Distinguished Service Cross plates. The bill ensures that applicants, including surviving spouses who receive the plate, will no longer incur these costs. This change is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 947 increases the penalties for drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in injury, serious bodily injury, or death. The bill specifically raises the terms for imprisonment, fines, and license revocation for drivers who knowingly fail to stop after such accidents. It establishes stricter penalties based on the severity of the outcome and whether it's a first or subsequent offense. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for "driving so as to endanger" offenses that cause death or serious bodily injury, and these provisions apply to accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.

Maddy summarySB 449 mandates a re-amortization of the state pension fund, beginning with fiscal year 2026. This means the state will recalculate the payment schedule for its pension fund's outstanding liabilities. The change directly affects the determination of the employer contribution rate paid by the State of Rhode Island into the retirement system for public officers and employees. It amends the section of law that outlines the actuarial cost method used for these contributions and benefits.

Requires that the license plates of a vehicle be confiscated by a police officer if the owner was arrested for driving while their license was suspended, revoked or cancelled for refusing to submit to a chemical test or for operating under the influence.

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

Allows any peace officer working in a Rhode Island school as a full or part-time resource officer to work in excess of the seventy-five (75) working days in a calendar year, and not have an interruption in their benefits.

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.