Provides an 8% tax rate for those properties that are encumbered by a deed restriction for low-income housing set at 80% or 60% of adjusted median income established by HUD.
HB 5658 permits motorcycles to legally split lanes between stopped or slow-moving vehicles under specific conditions. It allows this practice only when traffic moves at or below 10 mph, motorcycles stay within 10 mph of traffic speed, and highways have posted speed limits over 50 mph. The bill requires motorcycle operators to merge back into traffic once flow speeds increase and includes a sunset provision ending the law on January 31, 2026. This directly affects motorcycle riders operating on qualifying highways during low-speed traffic conditions. The legislation is temporary, set to expire without renewal after 2026.
SB 335 removes an existing exemption that allowed entire residences (like houses, condos, or apartments) to be rented without paying the state's 5% hotel tax. This change affects landlords and property managers who rent out whole properties, requiring them to collect and remit the tax starting January 1, 2026. The bill amends tax code to clarify that such rentals are no longer exempt, aligning them with traditional hotel or short-term rental services. The tax applies in addition to standard sales taxes and will be administered by the state division of taxation.
Allows an individual, who is a first-time homebuyer, to contribute funds to a first- time homebuyers saving account with Rhode Island Housing to pay for eligible costs to purchase a home.
Provides that for the period up until July 1, 2027, an applicant for a teaching certificate in Rhode Island would not be required to complete a standardized teacher's examination as a prerequisite to obtaining a teaching certificate.
Places a cap of twenty percent (20%) on increases in consecutive revaluations of real property in all cities and towns conducting revaluations commencing December 31, 2025, and every December 31 thereafter.
Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.
HB 5672 requires family courts to grant post-separation visitation rights between siblings who have been separated through adoption, foster care, or guardianship. The law mandates courts to approve such visits if they serve the child's best interests, there is a significant emotional bond between siblings, and involved parties (including birth parents) have negotiated an agreement or the court establishes one. It also requires adoptive/foster parents, guardians, and child welfare agencies to cooperate in facilitating contact, while allowing children aged 12 or older to express their views in court. The bill prohibits monetary damages in disputes over these arrangements and requires court approval for any modifications to visitation agreements.
Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.
HB 5236 would increase the maximum local tax rate to 12% for certain federally supported housing properties. Specifically, it applies to residential properties in Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, Section 811 Supporting Housing for Persons with Disabilities, or project-based Section 8 housing that use an operating cost basis for federal reimbursement. This 12% rate would take effect January 1, 2026, replacing the current 8% maximum for these properties. The bill does not change existing tax rates but sets a higher cap for these specific federally assisted housing programs.
Bans preferential treatment to a public or private university applicant because of the student's familial relationship to a previous university attendee.
This joint resolution would approve changes to Rhode Island's Medicaid program, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state budget allocations. Key provisions include capping nursing facility and hospital rate increases at 2.3% (aligned with projected state tax revenue growth), eliminating annual home care rate increases, and removing hospital payment limits. It also establishes a new interprofessional consultation program and authorizes $396 million in hospital payments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These adjustments require state plan amendments to implement under federal Medicaid waiver rules. The resolution was scheduled for consideration but was withdrawn in March 2025.
