Sen. John Burke

Maddy summaryThis bill expands temporary disability insurance coverage in Rhode Island to include state employees, effective January 1, 2027. The legislation amends existing state laws to define state workers as eligible employees under the temporary disability insurance program, allowing them to receive benefits when unable to work due to sickness. Key provisions update definitions for terms like "employee" and "employment" to explicitly include service performed for the State of Rhode Island across all departments and agencies. The bill also clarifies how benefit calculations are determined for various groups, including military service members who return to civilian state employment.

Maddy summarySB 2433 establishes a presumption that school-age child care programs operating within RIDE-certified school buildings (public, charter, or approved non-public K-12 schools) automatically meet facility-based quality rating requirements. This means physical space features like room layout, furnishings, and storage - typically assessed under tools like SACERS - will be treated as compliant or neutral in quality ratings, without lowering a program’s score. The bill does not alter existing licensing, health, safety, or enforcement standards; it only streamlines the rating process for programs in certified school buildings. This change applies to all school-age child care programs licensed under Title 42, Chapter 12.5.

Maddy summarySB 2508 allows caterers with a Class P license to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale businesses within Rhode Island, expanding their previous purchasing options. This directly affects licensed caterers (who pay a $500 annual fee) by giving them flexibility in where they source alcohol, though wholesalers may set minimum order requirements or refuse orders. The bill also clarifies that caterers may deliver and remove alcohol at events, or leave it at a host's residence only if the caterer maintains full control of the alcohol during the event. Key operational rules remain, including ID checks for under-30 guests, limits on drink servings, and a maximum 5-hour service period per event.

Maddy summarySB 2630 repeals a law that prohibited new retail liquor licenses within 200 feet of schools or religious institutions, and within 500 feet of schools in East Providence for certain license types. This repeal removes a distance restriction, allowing new liquor stores to open closer to schools and churches without needing to avoid these proximity requirements. The bill directly affects new license applications for retail liquor stores (Class B, C, N, and I) by eliminating the need for licensing authorities to consider distance to schools or places of worship. Existing licenses and transfers of licenses that predate the location of schools or churches remain unaffected by this repeal.

Maddy summarySB 2739 amends the process for reimbursing workers' compensation costs when a third party (such as another company or individual) is liable for an injury. It changes how employers and insurers handle reimbursements after a third party pays damages to an injured worker. This directly affects injured workers, employers, and insurance providers in cases involving third-party liability. The bill clarifies procedural steps under existing workers' compensation law without altering benefit amounts or eligibility.

Allows the holder of a manufacturer’s license to sell one-sixth of a barrel keg or any otherwise permitted vessel containing no more than the amount of malt beverage allowed.

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Allows a lender to charge an origination fee, increase interest rates and collect a monthly service fee, on loans up to three hundred dollars ($300) but not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Provides measures to prevent title fraud by authorizing the recorder of deeds to require the production of a government-issued photographic identification card before recording a deed or certain other instruments.

Maddy summarySB 2631 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy costs for consumers. The study must review all Rhode Island energy programs to identify those increasing costs, compare rates with other states, and recommend policy changes. It includes $100,000 for hiring consultants to research these areas and proposes that future energy-related legislation include clear cost impact statements. The bill directly affects the PUC/DUPC by mandating this study, with the goal of making energy rates more transparent and affordable for Rhode Island residents. It does not change current energy rates but sets a process for evaluating potential cost-saving measures.