Sen. Sam Bell

Maddy summarySB 2073 exempts Community MusicWorks' real and tangible personal property (such as buildings and equipment) in Providence from local property taxes. This targeted exemption adds the nonprofit arts organization to Rhode Island's list of tax-exempt entities under Chapter 44-3. The bill amends existing tax law to specifically include Community MusicWorks, directly affecting its property tax obligations. The change applies only to this organization and its physical assets in Providence.

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provides criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good character.

Authorizes the city of Providence to issue not more than $25,000,000 in general obligation bonds and notes to fund the providence housing trust fund to finance affordable multi-family housing projects in the city.

Amends the regulations on the cancellation and renewal of liability and property damage insurance for automobiles, homeowners insurance, residential fire insurance and components thereof.

Prohibits participation in federal school voucher tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations unless both the general assembly and the governor approve such participation.

Maddy summarySB 2150 requires creditors to send written notice of a judgment lien to the property owner within ten business days of recording the lien with the county. This directly affects creditors who place liens on property and property owners who may be unaware of such claims against their assets. The key provision sets a strict 10-business-day timeline for delivering this notice, replacing the previous lack of a specific deadline. The bill aims to provide clearer and timelier information about liens affecting property ownership.

Directs middle and high schools which issue student identification cards to include on those cards contact crisis telephone numbers for suicide prevention and substance use disorder prevention.

Creates a 19 member special legislative study commission whose purpose it would be to study current practices of state and municipal Juvenile Hearing Boards established pursuant to §§ 8-10-23.1 or 8-10-23.2.

Amends the Rhode Island works program to increases the monthly cash benefit to one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2452 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for children in out-of-school time (OST) programs serving K-12 students across Rhode Island. The bill provides funds for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, culturally responsive materials, and wellness-focused activities within community-based after-school and summer programs. Eligible programs must use funds flexibly to address local needs while prioritizing high-need communities and geographic diversity. The Rhode Island Afterschool Network will administer the grants through a competitive process and submit annual reports on program reach and outcomes.