Rep. Brandon Potter

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.

Maddy summaryHB 6076, known as the "Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act," establishes a regulatory framework for fantasy sports contests in the state. It requires fantasy contest operators, who offer online fantasy games with entry fees and prizes, to obtain a license from the Department of Business Regulation. The bill empowers the Department to oversee these operators, ensuring consumer protections by implementing rules against fraud, underage participation, and money laundering. Operators must also use identity verification and geolocation technology, and establish measures to address compulsive gaming and prevent certain individuals, like specific athletes or self-excluded persons, from participating.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 5789 proposes to appropriate $1,000,000 for the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path in Cranston, Rhode Island. This funding is specifically for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The purpose is to restore and enhance the walking path, ensuring it remains a safe and accessible recreational resource for the community.

Maddy summaryHB 6205, titled the "Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging and Paper Act," creates a new program to manage the recycling of packaging and paper products. This bill makes product producers responsible for funding and improving municipal recycling programs. These programs would cover the collection, transportation, sorting, and processing of defined packaging and paper products from single-family and multi-family residences. The aim is to enhance the coordination, funding, and overall effectiveness of the state's recycling systems for these materials.

Prohibits an insurer from imposing a requirement of prior authorization for any admission, item, service, treatment, test, exam, study, procedure, or any generic or brand name prescription drug ordered by a primary care provider.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6324 recognizes May 6, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution encourages citizens, residents, and visitors to observe the day and focus on the importance of reason, critical thought, and free inquiry.

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 summaryHouse Resolution 6312 commemorates May 8, 2025, as "Rhode Island Home Visiting Day" in the State of Rhode Island. It encourages individuals and organizations to use home visiting resources to support children and families.

Requires public middle schools, to allow students from a recognized non-public, charter, or alternative education institution, to participate in a non-sponsored sport in the school district where the student resides.