Rep. Charlene Lima

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates June 2024 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese community. It recognizes the group's historical contributions to the state's economy, culture, and public life, as well as specific landmarks like the Our Lady of the Rosary Church. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Portuguese government officials, and a local nonprofit organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution offering condolences to the family of Paul T. DeRoche, a longtime lobbyist for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce who recently passed away. It recognizes his thirty-seven-year career in government affairs and his role as a respected fixture at the State House. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Dr. Helen M. Caldwell and her family.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to stop retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries and core charges for motor vehicle parts. Under the new rules, these specific fees would be exempt from taxation, while any money collected must be held in trust for the state. The tax division would create guidelines to enforce this change and send notices to retailers instructing them to stop collecting sales tax on these items. This change directly affects businesses that sell automotive batteries and vehicle components by altering how they calculate and collect taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-day sales tax holiday on August 10 and 11, 2024, allowing consumers to purchase certain items without paying sales tax. The tax break applies only to nonbusiness retail sales of tangible personal property, excluding specific goods like tobacco, fuel, electricity, vehicles, meals, and any single item priced over $2,500. While vendors do not need to collect sales tax on these qualifying purchases during the holiday, they must still file regular tax returns and report the sales. The bill also requires the state revenue director to report the amount of tax revenue forgone and file a detailed report with the legislature by the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 12th through May 18th, 2024, as National Hospital Week in Rhode Island to honor healthcare workers and the vital role hospitals play in the community. The resolution acknowledges the economic and health contributions of local hospitals, noting that they provide essential services and support thousands of jobs in the state. It formally thanks medical professionals for their dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7926 proposes to remove state-owned property from the list of assets exempt from local property taxes in Rhode Island. This change would directly affect municipalities that currently do not pay property taxes on land and buildings owned by the state. The bill achieves this by amending the state's General Laws to eliminate the specific exemption for state property while leaving other existing exemptions, such as those for religious, educational, and charitable organizations, unchanged. If passed, local governments would be responsible for assessing and collecting property taxes on state assets, potentially increasing local revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 7435 creates a new legal framework to regulate pet insurance policies sold to residents of the state. The bill requires insurers to clearly define key terms like preexisting conditions and chronic illnesses within their policies and make these definitions easily accessible online. It mandates that companies disclose specific details about coverage limits, exclusions, and how premiums or benefits might change based on a pet's history or age. Additionally, the law grants consumers a fifteen-day "free look" period to review and return a policy for a full refund if they are not satisfied, provided no claims have been filed. This legislation applies to any pet insurance offered or delivered in the state, superseding general insurance laws with these specific consumer protections.

Considers state government caseworkers or investigators "public officials" for purposes of the prohibition on making threats to public officials.

Requires that present and former employees, active and retired members, and beneficiaries receiving any retirement, disability or death allowance receive a $2,000 increase per year.

Provides a 3% pension increase and annual COLAs.