Sen. John Burke

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to set a statewide cap of 12% per year on the interest or penalties that cities and towns can charge on unpaid local taxes. Currently, local municipalities have the authority to set these rates up to 18%, but this legislation would lower that maximum limit for most towns while keeping the existing 12% cap for the city of Cranston. The change aims to standardize the maximum cost of late payments across the state by amending the General Laws regarding local tax assessments.

Increases the killed-in-line-of-duty benefit for active or retired police officer, capitol police officer, correctional officer, firefighter, crash rescue crew person, fire marshal or deputy fire marshal from 40% to 100% of the federal death benefit.

Requires businesses that offer automatic subscription renewals/continuous service offers to provide consumers with notice to the consumer prior to their engagement in the contract along with notice of renewal of subscription/cancellation info. eff. 1/1/25

Allows real property owner a one-time non-refundable tax credit for the actual costs of connecting a single family or multi-family dwelling to a municipal sewer system credited to the owner's personal or corporate income tax.

Requires any benefit enhancements afforded under the employees' retirement system of Rhode Island or the municipal employees' retirement system to be amortized over individual five (5) year closed periods.

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.

Provides $4 million to support after school and school vacation, summer learning workforce development programs for K-12 students with annual reports on status and programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Rhode Island's public prekindergarten program to ensure free, high-quality education for all children ages three and four, with a goal of enrolling at least 70% of eligible children statewide. It creates a mixed-delivery system that combines state funding with existing federal Head Start programs and contracts with various providers, including local schools and licensed child care centers. A key provision requires that teachers and assistants in these programs receive wages comparable to public kindergarten staff to help recruit and retain qualified educators. The legislation also mandates regular reporting to state officials on progress toward universal access and outlines specific quality standards for curriculum, class sizes, and support for diverse student needs.

Maddy summarySB 2630 amends state zoning laws to establish uniform definitions and standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on the same lot as a primary home. The bill clarifies what constitutes an ADU, including detached units, garage conversions, and expanded primary dwellings, while also defining related terms like "abutter" and "adaptive reuse." By standardizing these definitions, the legislation aims to help towns and cities create consistent local zoning ordinances that allow for the construction of additional housing units.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Older Americans Month" in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of seniors. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Director of the Office of Healthy Living. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.