Rep. Chris Paplauskas

Maddy summaryHB 6202 imposes a moratorium on three specific energy-related policies starting January 1, 2026. It prohibits new or renewed net metering contracts (allowing customers to offset electricity use with self-generated power), bans the state from entering long-term solar/wind energy purchase agreements (exceeding five years), and stops state funding for heat pump subsidies. This directly affects residential and commercial customers using solar/wind systems, utilities managing net metering, and energy providers seeking long-term contracts. The bill halts these programs under current state law without creating new exemptions or alternatives.

Maddy summaryHB 5084 extends an existing 50-foot buffer zone prohibition around polling places to include early voting periods. The bill prevents political materials (posters, literature, buttons) from being distributed or displayed within 50 feet of polling locations during both early voting and election day. This directly affects voters, poll workers, and political campaigns by restricting where they can engage in political activity near voting sites. The change applies to all primary and election day voting, maintaining the same rules for early voting that already existed for election day. The bill does not alter voting procedures or eligibility but adjusts where political influence can occur near polling places.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6358) formally congratulates the Wheeler School Academic Decathlon team and their coach, Dayna Cueva Alegria, for winning first place at the 2025 Rhode Island Academic Decathlon. It recognizes the team's achievement of scoring over 34,000 points - their first championship since 2008 - and specifically highlights individual medal winners. As a ceremonial resolution (not substantive legislation), it has no policy impact and simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the coach. The resolution directly affects the Wheeler School students, their coach, and the Rhode Island Academic Decathlon program.

Maddy summaryHB 5777 proposes to repeal the legal authority for the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to implement tolls on state roads and bridges. This bill would remove the power of the authority to charge and collect tolls for transit over the turnpike and facilities such as the Newport Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Sakonnet River Bridge, and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. If enacted, it would directly affect the funding mechanisms of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and users of these roadways.

Maddy summaryHB 5393 shifts the responsibility for maintaining sidewalks along state highways from local entities to the state government. Under this bill, the state would be accountable for all upkeep of these sidewalks, such as repairs and general maintenance. However, the state would not be responsible for snow and ice removal on these sidewalks, which would remain with other parties. This change clarifies maintenance duties for sidewalks used by pedestrians and directly affects state and local government entities.

Maddy summaryHB 5475 proposes to exempt new and used bicycles from state sales and use taxes. This means that individuals purchasing a bicycle would no longer be charged sales tax on that transaction. The bill amends existing state laws that outline which goods and services are exempt from sales and use taxes, adding bicycles to that list. This change directly affects consumers who buy bicycles and businesses that sell them.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6336 is a resolution from the Rhode Island House of Representatives honoring and celebrating "Armed Forces Day" on May 17th, 2025. It expresses gratitude to all members of the United States military for their service and sacrifices, and directs the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Adjutant General.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6335 proclaims May of 2025 as "ALS Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. The resolution encourages citizens to educate themselves on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and support efforts to combat the disease.

Maddy summaryHB 5758 proposes to reduce the personal income tax burden for Rhode Island residents receiving social security benefits. The bill amends the state's personal income tax law to allow individuals to subtract their social security benefits from their federal adjusted gross income when calculating their state taxable income. This modification would effectively exempt social security benefits from being subject to state personal income tax. The changes outlined in the bill are slated to become effective on January 1, 2025.

Requires the department of environmental management to develop, identify, maintain and update a list of projects that qualify for forest and open space land conservation funding pursuant to federal laws.