Sen. John Burke

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.

Amends the terms of the pension plan set forth in the respective collective bargaining agreements in effect on July 1, 2026, between Central Falls and the labor organizations representing members of the Central Falls plan.

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.

Allows for sending of the notice under power of sale and rights of active military servicemembers by USPS First Class Mail and/or an overnight delivery service, instead of by USPS certified mail return receipt requested.

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31.41.1-4.

Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.

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.

Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud. This act would also protect individuals and businesses from digital forgery.

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.