Sen. John Burke

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 1138) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Yolanda Caceres de Leonardo, a dedicated nursing assistant and community member from the Dominican Republic. It honors her life, including her 20+ years of childcare work, her family (notably her step-daughter, State Senator Ana B. Leonardo Quezada), and her community involvement. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Senator Leonardo. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents.

Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee.

Maddy summarySB 757 allows Rhode Island National Guard members in good standing to allocate their state tuition assistance benefits to their dependents. Dependents must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and enrolled in Rhode Island state colleges or universities. The bill requires members to commit to one additional year of service for every 12 course credits covered for themselves or their dependents, with repayment required if obligations aren't met. This expands existing tuition benefits for National Guard members to include family members, subject to specific eligibility and service requirements.

Maddy summarySB 743 allows state employees in non-classified positions (including those at postsecondary and K-12 education agencies) to negotiate longevity payments as part of future collective bargaining agreements, effective July 1, 2025. Currently, such payments are prohibited for most employees under existing rules, but this bill reverses that restriction. The legislation specifies that longevity payments - defined as 5% after 10 years and 10% after 20 years of service - would not count toward base salary. It applies broadly across state education boards and other agencies, replacing a 2011 ban on new longevity increases.

On 7/1/2026, renewal of any existing sports wagering vendor contract by state lottery ceases. Prior to expiration, the lottery shall invite vendors to submit applications for sports wagering awarding not less than 2 but not more than 5 contracts.

Imposes a hospital licensing fee for fiscal year 2026 against net patient-services revenue of every non-government owned hospital for the hospital’s first fiscal year ending on or after January 1, 2024.

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Entitles correctional officers with twenty-five (25) years of service and who are at least fifty-five (55) years of age to a non-Medicare-eligible retiree health care insurance benefit.

Provides that a school district could elect and choose to not spend money on any mandate that is not fully funded through the state education aid formula.

Maddy summarySB 1045 exempts new subchapter S corporations (S corporations) in their first year of operation from paying Rhode Island's minimum corporate tax of $400. This applies to businesses that elect S corporation status under federal tax law and file their first state tax return. The bill specifically removes the requirement for these new entities to pay the minimum tax during their initial taxable year, though they remain subject to the regular 7% income tax on profits. The exemption takes effect immediately upon passage, affecting only first-year S corporations.