Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Coventry to split its property tax bill between residential and commercial properties based on a specific percentage set by the town council. It requires the town assessor to calculate the total tax amount and then apply different rates to each property type - such as single-family homes versus businesses - to ensure the correct share of the tax is collected from each. The law applies retroactively starting December 31, 2025, allowing the town to adjust how taxes are levied for that period and going forward.

Maddy summarySB 3293 modifies how veterans and their unmarried widows or widowers receive property tax relief in the city of Cranston, Rhode Island. Specifically, it changes the existing tax exemption for qualifying veterans in Cranston to a tax credit, limiting the annual benefit to a maximum of $182.90 that is adjusted every three years based on property revaluation and the consumer price index. This bill directly affects current and former military service members and their spouses residing in Cranston who would otherwise be eligible for a standard property tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the authorization for "Don't Block the Box" automated traffic cameras in New Jersey from January 2027 to January 2030. It allows state and local governments to continue using these sensors to detect vehicles that block intersections, provided the systems are approved for accuracy and can capture license plate images. The legislation maintains existing rules that prohibit using the collected data for tracking individuals or selling information to third parties, while also restricting private company payments to equipment fees rather than revenue sharing.

Provides that motor vehicle rental companies be entitled to establish non-liability for toll violations, administrative fees, registration penalties, and fines by providing a rental or lease agreement as prima facie evidence against a lessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the fees and procedures for appealing certain district court decisions to the superior court in civil cases. It requires parties filing an appeal to pay a $75 filing fee, a minimum $25 in costs, and a $50 attorney fee to the opposing party within two days of judgment for general civil cases, or within five days for landlord-tenant disputes. The changes also adjust how costs are calculated and when appeals must be submitted, with the new rules taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Exempts from taxation the property of the nonprofit Mount St. Rita Health Centre located in Cumberland, RI. The exemption would be effective as of December 31, 2025.

Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.

Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.

Amends the refiling process for rules and regulations under the administrative procedures act by implementing a confirmation and attestation system to confirm agency rules and regulations are active and effective.

Eliminates prescribed timelines for hearing and determination in certain enforcement actions before the department labor and training to align with reasonable practice.