Rep. Jose Batista

Maddy summaryHR 6020 is a joint resolution that proposes to appropriate $32,594,799 to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding is intended to address an anticipated operating deficit and allow RIPTA to continue its current service levels throughout the state. The appropriation also aims to support the hiring and training of more bus operators through increased wages and benefits, and help implement the State's Act on Climate goals. This bill directly affects RIPTA's operational capacity and the Rhode Islanders who depend on public transportation services.

Authorizes a host city or town to impose a two percent (2%) tax on the endowment of a private institution of higher education that is in excess of one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000), to be used only for the host public school district.

Provides funding to establish a dual language program within the department of elementary and secondary education. It also describe how to implement he Support and Access to Bilingual Education “SABE Act” for all Local Education Agencies “LEA” recipients.

Maddy summaryHB 5398 revises the state's education-aid formula, specifically impacting how funding is allocated to public school districts for high-need students. The bill modifies the "student success factor" by adding an additional multiplier to the calculation. It changes how students from low-income families (below 185% of federal poverty guidelines) are identified for funding, shifting to a measure based on SNAP participation starting in FY 2024. Additionally, it adjusts the funding factor for multilingual learners (MLLs) and requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop recommendations for MLL student support.

Establishes the Housing Flexible Spending Account Act of 2025 allowing Rhode Island employers to contribute pre-tax income into a housing flexible spending account (H-FSA), for employees to be used for qualified housing expenses.

Allows the city of Providence to impose an additional conveyance tax of three quarters of one percent (0.75%) on sale of any real property in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000).

Maddy summaryHB 5473 proposes a change to the state's personal income tax structure. It introduces an additional 3% tax rate on taxable income that exceeds $625,000, as indexed to 2025 dollars. This new tax provision would apply to tax years beginning in 2026 and thereafter, and it would not be applied retroactively to previous tax years.

Maddy summaryHR 6078 is a joint resolution that appropriates $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge. This funding is designated to study and explore seagliders in Rhode Island, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI). The bill directs 401 Tech Bridge to conduct a feasibility study to understand and assess the use and operation of these all-electric, passenger-carrying vehicles within the state. The aim is to determine how seagliders could benefit Rhode Island's economy and environment.

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6294 proclaims May 2025 as "Myositis Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island." This resolution aims to increase public understanding of myositis, a group of rare muscle-wasting diseases, and encourages Rhode Islanders to learn more about the condition and support affected families.