Sen. Jessica de la Cruz

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 proposes changing the rules for the annual financial town meeting in Scituate, Massachusetts, by requiring advance notice for significant budget changes. Specifically, it would mandate that any motion to increase or decrease recommended spending by $10,000 or more must be submitted to the town treasurer with ten resident signatures by May 15, rather than being introduced spontaneously during the June meeting. The bill also updates the official schedule for the town meeting, setting it for the first Tuesday in June starting in 2024. Because this change affects local governance procedures, the bill requires a vote by Scituate voters at the November 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 3262 updates the state law for Glocester, Rhode Island, to allow the town council to offer property tax credits to elderly and disabled residents. The bill authorizes a base credit of up to $2,070 for owners aged 65 or older or those under 65 who are permanently disabled, with higher additional credits for those over 80. These financial benefits are adjusted annually using a specific non-compounding method based on the consumer price index and apply regardless of the owner's income level. The legislation also clarifies that only one exemption is granted per property, even if multiple owners are eligible, and ensures these credits work alongside other existing tax exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the town of Burrillville to exempt specific property related to Wilson's Reservoir from real and personal property taxes. The exemption covers the lakebed and any land containing dams, spillways, or associated structures owned by a Dam Management District. Additionally, the legislation requires that fees collected for this management district be gathered using the same legal procedures and authority used for collecting municipal taxes. While the bill also updates a similar tax exemption for the Pascoag Reservoir in Burrillville and Glocester, its primary new provision focuses on Wilson's Reservoir in Burrillville.

Authorizes the state retirement board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that individual is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime related to their public office or public employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.

Maddy summarySB 2733 prohibits individuals in state prison or jail custody from using force or weapons to resist lawful requests or directives from correctional staff. It directly affects incarcerated people by making such resistance a violation of the law. The bill establishes a clear rule that limits the use of force by people in correctional facilities during routine operations, such as transfers or medical requests. This policy change aims to enhance safety for staff and other inmates by clarifying expectations during lawful interactions. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Exempts certain urban and small farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible and personal property taxes and income taxes. This act would also define urban and small farmers and urban farmland.

Amends the composition of the Rhode Island school safety committee by adding an additional member who is a representative from the Rhode Island school Resource officer Association.

Establishes the office of inspector general to investigate the management and operation of agencies in an effort to prevent and deter fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.