Sen. Stefano Famiglietti

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 summarySB 3297 amends the state workers' compensation law to clarify definitions and expand the authority of the workers' compensation court. The bill updates how "earnings capacity" is calculated for injured workers, specifying that courts can consider an employee's ability to work based on their functional impairment without requiring the employer to identify specific job offers. It also clarifies who qualifies as an "employee" and "employer," including state agencies and contractors, while explicitly excluding independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporate officers. Additionally, the legislation grants the court broader powers to enforce its orders and manage disputes regarding liability, disability status, and medical causation for cases filed after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated domestic violence calendar within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for handling felony domestic violence cases. The new system would prioritize scheduling these cases and assign them to specific personnel to ensure consistent judicial oversight and better enforcement of protective orders. It applies to serious crimes involving domestic violence, violations of no-contact orders, and weapon-related offenses connected to such matters. The legislation aims to improve public safety and court efficiency by centralizing the processing of these specific criminal proceedings.

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.

Requires the board of elections to establish a secure area for the public observation of mail ballot processing and require the mail ballot voter’s signature be compared to the signature on file within the state central voter registration system.

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

Maddy summarySB 2333 creates a special motor vehicle registration plate for the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit entity. Vehicle owners who choose this plate pay a one-time $40 surcharge (split $20 to the state general fund and $20 to the Hall of Fame) and a $10 annual renewal fee, all going to support Rhode Island hockey initiatives. The Hall of Fame must use these funds for Rhode Island-based hockey charities and submit annual financial reports. The plate design is approved jointly by the Hall of Fame and the state police, and it replaces standard registration plates.

Extends provisions of an existing collective bargaining agreement for municipal police arbitration purposes until a successor agreement is reached or an interest arbitration award is rendered.

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

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.