Rep. Carol McEntee

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates Thawn Sherenté Harris on finishing the 2026 Boston Marathon and honors the legacy of his great-uncle, Ellison "Tarzan" Brown. The document recognizes Harris's achievement as a ceremonial act to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Brown's first marathon victory and highlights his specific performance details, such as running barefoot to mimic Brown's historic run. By transmitting a certified copy of this resolution to Harris, the bill formally acknowledges his perseverance and cultural significance without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 7504 creates tax-advantaged "catastrophe savings accounts" for homeowners to cover disaster-related costs. Taxpayers can deduct contributions (capped at $25,000 for those with standard deductibles or $250,000 for self-insured homeowners) and earn tax-exempt interest. Withdrawals remain tax-free if used for qualified expenses like uncovered repair costs or insurance deductibles after a declared disaster. The program applies only to primary residences with one account allowed per home, effective for 2027 tax years.

Maddy summaryHB 7594 increases Rhode Island's earned-income tax credit (EITC) rate to 30% for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This change directly benefits low-to-moderate income workers who qualify for the EITC, providing them with a larger refundable tax credit. The bill amends the state's tax code to adjust the credit percentage while maintaining the existing eligibility rules for qualifying individuals and families. This is a concrete policy change that will increase tax refunds for eligible working residents starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 7397 repeals the corporation minimum tax, a flat fee that small businesses had to pay regardless of profits. This change directly affects small businesses operating in the state that previously owed this minimum tax. The bill removes the requirement for these businesses to pay the minimum tax, simplifying their tax obligations under the current business corporation tax code.

Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 7, 2026, as Childcare Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of quality early childhood care. The resolution formally recognizes the dedication of childcare providers and the critical role they play in children's development and the state's economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to key child care organizations and legislative commissions. The measure is a ceremonial observance that does not create new laws or funding requirements.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $118,422 to the Rhode Island Parent Information Network to support Rhode Island’s Medicare-Medicaid Dual Ombudsman Program.

Establishes the framework to create a medical school at the University of Rhode Island and provides an initial appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) as the first phase of a multi-year investment for the development of a medical school.

Provides that services provided by graduate student interns who work under a supervisory protocol would be eligible to be paid from Medicaid reimbursement.

Provides the board of trustees with tort claim protections and calls upon the board to undertake a feasibility study related to operations of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center and the Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission.