Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
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.
Maddy summarySB 2052 proposes to repeal the Rhode Island minimum tax that corporations must pay regardless of their income level. Under the current law, every corporation is required to pay at least $450 annually, a fee that would be eliminated if this bill passes. The legislation also includes a provision to lower the minimum tax threshold from $450 to $400 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, though the primary action is the removal of the minimum tax requirement itself. This change directly affects all corporations operating in the state by removing the mandatory minimum payment obligation.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 19, 2024, as Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1914-1922 atrocities committed against Pontian Greeks. The measure formally acknowledges the historical events in which the Ottoman Empire systematically killed hundreds of thousands of people and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Greek community leaders in the United States and Greece. By adopting this proclamation, the Rhode Island Senate joins the Greek-American community in commemorating the anniversary of the genocide and recognizing the contributions of survivors and their descendants to the state's culture.
Creates a workload study for social caseworkers II in the division of developmental disabilities within the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals (BHDDH).
Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which would allow for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2025, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.
Phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a 4 year period for social security income, from 25% up to 100%, beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the number of days retired municipal employees can work without losing their pension benefits from 75 to 90 days per calendar year. Under the current rules, any work beyond this limit would temporarily suspend pension payments, whereas this change would allow for slightly more flexibility in returning to work. The provision specifically excludes police officers from this rule when they work on private details paid for by non-governmental entities. Additionally, retired members would continue to receive their full pension while serving as elected city council or school committee members.
Allows victims of violent crime receiving awards under the state's crime victim compensation program to use up to $1,000 of their total award to make reasonable modification to their residence to ensure their future safety.
Maddy summarySB 2061 amends Rhode Island's personal income tax law to allow residents to exclude all Social Security income from their state taxable starting in 2025. The bill also updates how the state calculates income by adjusting federal figures, including specific rules for tuition savings program withdrawals and the treatment of forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans over $250,000. These changes directly affect Rhode Island residents who receive Social Security benefits or have participated in state tuition savings accounts and loan forgiveness programs.
