Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates Milissa O'Neil on being selected as the 2024-2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. It directly affects Ms. O'Neil, an elementary and special educator at Oakland Beach Elementary School, by officially recognizing her achievements and dedication to her students. The resolution highlights her extensive background in education, her advocacy for STEAM and social-emotional learning, and her various leadership roles within the school community. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to Ms. O'Neil as a gesture of appreciation.

Provides that gift certificates issued by state-chartered institutions of higher education would be exempt from the provisions of the gift certificate statute relating to expiration, escheatment, reissuance and refund.

Prohibits a landlord from inquiring about the immigration status of a tenant subject to any federal laws or regulations, but may request financial information.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special license plates for vehicles supporting The Preservation Society of Rhode Island. Owners of these plates must pay a standard registration fee plus a $40 issuance surcharge and a $10 annual renewal fee, with the funds split between the state's general fund and the preservation society. The society is required to submit annual accounting reports and must use any state-sourced funds to benefit Rhode Island-based charitable organizations. The plates will be designed by the society in conjunction with the motor vehicle division and approved by the state police, and they will replace the vehicle's standard registration plates.

Allows victims of violent crime receiving awards under the state's crime victim compensation program to use up to $1,000 of their total award to make reasonable modification to their residence to ensure their future safety.

Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.

This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $150,000 to the Women's Fund of Rhode Island to implement programs and initiatives that seek to close the gender wage, wealth, health and leadership gaps.

Provides eligibility for an additional forty dollars ($40.00) per month in food stamp benefits to certain qualifying persons or households eligible for food stamp benefits, commencing July 1, 2024.

Establishes and funds an incentive program for landlords to offer reduced rents to eligible tenants. The program would be administered by the state department of housing with an appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025.

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2024, utilizing funds from the general fund or the American Rescue Plan Act.