Rep. Arthur Handy

Extends allocation of motor fuel tax to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Fund through 2025. Changes the allocation to 30% total proceeds, including 30% from the one cent per gallon environmental protection fee through 2026 and thereafter.

Authorizes the office of postsecondary commissioner to expand bilingual and dual language teacher certificates in urban schools through two scholarship programs for students and teachers, with eligibility requirements and donations.

Maddy summaryHB 5535 proposes to amend the state's sales and use tax laws. This bill specifically exempts "behind-the-meter batteries interconnected with a solar photovoltaic system" from sales tax. The key mechanism is adding these specific energy storage systems to the list of items not subject to sales and use taxes. This change would directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing such solar battery systems by reducing their upfront cost.

Maddy summaryHB 6206 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act, creating a statewide recycling refund program for certain beverage containers. Under this act, "producers" (brand owners) are responsible for compliance with the program's requirements. It defines various types of "redemption sites," such as "express redemption sites" for virtual account credits and "full-service redemption sites" for immediate refunds, where "consumers" can return eligible empty containers. This system aims to promote the collection and recycling of beverages by providing a financial incentive for returns.

Provides for an additional real estate conveyance tax for commercial properties sold in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) at a rate of three dollars and thirteen cents ($3.13) for each five hundred dollars.

Maddy summaryHB 5779, titled the "2021 Act on Climate," proposes to increase a fee imposed on petroleum products received at marine terminals in the state. The bill would raise the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee from five cents to ten cents for each barrel of petroleum products. These collected funds, along with existing money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration, and Response Fund and the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act, would be directed towards climate change initiatives. Specifically, the funds would support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce climate emissions and meet the goals of the 2021 Act on Climate.

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 5195 establishes a program to reduce solid waste and promote composting and organic waste diversion in the state. It creates a new solid waste disposal surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per ton, to be paid by entities disposing of waste at refuse disposal facilities. Revenue from this surcharge will fund a new "Compost Fund," administered by the Department of Environmental Management. This fund will award grants to support projects related to reducing solid waste, rescuing surplus food, recovering shells, producing and using compost, and minimizing illegal dumping.

Establish a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2030, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

Maddy summaryHR 6297 is a House Resolution that officially commemorates April 30, 2025, as "National Therapy Animal Day" in the State of Rhode Island. The resolution recognizes the comfort and healing therapy animals provide and urges the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services and all Rhode Island citizens to appreciate and promote the benefits of the human-animal bond.