Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.
Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.
Exempts teachers and state employees who have been retired for more than three (3) full calendar years, from having their retirement benefit adjustment reduced based upon the funded ratio of the employees' retirement system of Rhode Island.
Increases the maximum amount of the Kingston water district bonding authority from four million dollars ($4,000,000) to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).
Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a two-year pilot program that coordinates a national cultural exchange program for students of this state.
Maddy summaryHR 6224 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 6-12, 2025, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the challenges crime victims face - including trauma, economic hardship, and systemic barriers - and commits the state to supporting survivors' rights during this observance. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but honors victims, survivors, and advocates through a formal statement of support. It was passed by the Rhode Island House on April 10, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a Rhode Island House resolution (not legislation), urging federal lawmakers to address concerns about Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. It calls for transparency measures, stricter marketing rules, and redirecting funds from MA plans to strengthen Traditional Medicare. The resolution highlights issues like higher costs for enrollees, narrower provider networks, and profit-driven practices by MA insurers, but does not create new laws. It specifically recommends actions for Congress and federal agencies, such as requiring MA plan audits and prohibiting practices that prioritize corporate profits over patient care.
Reduces the cigarette tax imposed by 75% for any modified risk tobacco product as defined in § 21 U.S.C. 387 k as a tobacco product sold/distributed to reduce the harm/risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.
Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.
Maddy summaryHB 5395 allows vehicle owners to challenge the valuation used to calculate sales tax when registering a motor vehicle in this state. It directly affects anyone registering a vehicle, as they can now dispute whether the tax is based on the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) book value or the sales price (whichever is higher). The bill requires the tax administrator to create rules for a hearing process where taxpayers can formally appeal the valuation. This change gives vehicle owners a formal mechanism to correct potential overvaluations before paying the tax. The bill takes effect upon passage.
