Sen. Frank Ciccone

Maddy summaryThis bill would temporarily allow motorcycles to drive between rows of stopped or moving vehicles, a practice known as lane splitting. The measure permits this maneuver only when traffic is moving at 10 mph or slower, the speed limit is over 50 mph, and the motorcycle travels no more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic. It requires the motorcycle operator to merge back into traffic once the traffic speed increases to 10 mph or higher. The law would take effect immediately upon passage but is set to expire on January 31, 2025, after which the practice would no longer be authorized under this act.

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.

Allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) of taxable pension and/or annuity income for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Effective July 1, 2024, entitles environmental police officers to the benefits provided by chapter 45-21.2 entitled "Optional retirement for members of police force and firefighters."

Provides that vacancies in excess of 3% for full time equivalent state employees which are substituted with contract employees shall require an appropriation to the pension fund equal to the average annual employer contribution for each vacant position.

Allows police and firefighters to retire with 20 years of service and attained 57 years of age based on their highest 3 years consecutive compensation.

Maddy summarySB 2051 amends the state sales and use tax code to exempt reusable bags from taxation. This change directly affects consumers who purchase these bags and retailers who sell them. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to the list of items exempt from sales tax. It does not alter any other existing tax exemptions or create new tax liabilities.

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.

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.