Rep. George Nardone

Maddy summaryHB 6203 repeals Rhode Island's Renewable Energy Growth Program, which was a tariff-based financing system for distributed renewable energy projects. The program established rules for financing solar and other renewable projects under 5-year targets, with specific requirements for site selection (avoiding core forests) and project size limits. This bill removes all existing provisions of the program from state law, ending its operation without creating new mechanisms or requirements. The repeal directly affects electric distribution companies, renewable energy developers, and customers participating in the program.

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 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.

Creates an 11-member commission to study and provide recommendations and potential solutions to address the flooding of the Pawtuxet River, and who would report back by March 2, 2026, and would expire on June 2, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6307 proposes the creation of a special motor vehicle registration plate for the nonprofit organization Real Access Motivates Progress. Vehicle owners who choose this plate will pay an additional $40 issuance surcharge, with half of that amount going to the state's general fund and the other half directed to the charity for accessibility programs. A $10 surcharge will also apply to subsequent annual renewals, which will be fully allocated to Real Access Motivates Progress. The bill requires the charity to use these Rhode Island-sourced funds for Rhode Island-based charitable organizations and submit annual accounting reports.

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.

Generates an estate tax discharge upon the recording of a statement by the executor or other estate representative that the value of the decedent’s gross estate does not require a state or federal tax filing.

Maddy summaryHB 5753 proposes a change to the state's business corporation tax laws. It directly affects small business corporations that have elected "subchapter S" status. The bill would exempt these subchapter S corporations from paying the minimum annual corporate tax during their first year of existence. Currently, the minimum tax for these corporations is $400. This measure aims to provide a tax exemption for newly formed subchapter S corporations in their initial year of operation.

Allows an income tax credit for employer contributions to an eligible employee's ABLE account, for a maximum credit of two thousand dollars ($2,000) per employee, per year.