Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.
Allows RI to opt out of the provisions of DIDMCA exempting out of state lenders from interest rate limits which apply to RI lenders. Prevents evasion of statutory interest rate limits and lending rules for loans made in RI.
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.
Maddy summaryHB 5194 seeks to provide property tax relief to elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes. The bill increases the maximum income threshold for eligibility for property tax credits to $50,000. It also raises the maximum available tax credit to $850 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the bill introduces annual adjustments to both the income range and the maximum credit based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U).
Maddy summaryBill HB 6072 proposes to establish a child tax credit within Rhode Island's personal income tax system. This credit would allow taxpayers to claim one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each dependent. The bill amends existing state tax laws to incorporate this new credit, directly affecting Rhode Island residents who pay personal income tax and have dependents.
Provides that evidence of life or work expectancy shall be based on statistical data using blended statistics and shall not be based on race, ethnicity or sex.
Would provide children up to age three (3) with continuous coverage eligibility for RIte Track/RIte Care so that they are not at risk of losing coverage at the yearly redetermination due solely to administrative barriers.
Requires the disclosure of the transfer of certain assets of healthcare facilities and provides penalties for failing to file healthcare facility ownership information.
Maddy summaryHB 5836 requires every high school in Rhode Island to offer a yearlong "ethnic studies" course starting with the 2026-27 school year. This course would study American history and the experiences of racialized communities, including specific histories such as Native American, Black, Asian American, and Latin American. It would become a social studies core credit and a high school graduation requirement for students graduating in 2030 and beyond. The bill also establishes a student-led ethnic studies leadership council to oversee curriculum development and implementation.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5488, "The School Libraries Act," mandates that every public school in the state establish and maintain a dedicated school library. It requires these libraries to include essential elements such as adequate book collections, study space, technology, and a budget for materials. The bill also stipulates that all public schools must employ certified school librarians, with staffing levels varying based on student population and a phased implementation schedule extending through the 2030-2031 school year. Furthermore, it ensures students have daily access to their school library resources, including extended hours for secondary schools.
