Rep. Kathleen Fogarty

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5404 provides a tax credit for businesses and individuals who donate "apparently wholesome food" (safe-to-eat food that may be imperfect in appearance) to qualifying nonprofit organizations. Donors can claim a credit equal to 75% of the food's fair market value (up to $5,000 annually) and a separate 50% credit for transportation costs (also capped at $5,000). To qualify, the donated food must be distributed to people in need or sold at minimal "good samaritan" prices, and nonprofits must provide a certificate verifying compliance. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of the tax code and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 6001 redirects the distribution of hotel tax revenue in Rhode Island, shifting a larger share to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for tourism promotion. For tax payments received after December 31, 2015, 75% of the tax generated by hotels in the statewide district (covering most of the state) must now go directly to the Commerce Corporation, up from previous allocations. The bill requires the Commerce Corporation to spend at least the full amount it receives annually on promoting Rhode Island as a tourism destination. This change primarily affects hotels statewide, altering how local tourism districts, cities, and the Commerce Corporation receive funding from hotel taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 5680 would allow workers to receive unemployment benefits if they are on strike or locked out due to a labor dispute, directly affecting employees involved in workplace conflicts. The bill modifies eligibility rules so workers aren’t automatically disqualified for benefits during strikes (if not responsible for the dispute) or lockouts (unless the employer offers a 3-day wage extension that’s refused or the lockout responds to a strike at another company in a multi-employer group). It also ensures benefits continue for more than a week after a dispute ends. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, changing current rules that typically deny benefits during labor disputes.

Provides that when a registrant voluntarily cancels the registrant's motor vehicle registration, that person would receive a partial refund of the fee that had been paid.

Replaces CRMC with a newly created division of coastal resources management, a state entity within the DEM and would transfer all authority to the DEM with duties and responsibilities to be carried out by the division of coastal resources management.

Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfer all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.

Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit program to increase the maximum credit cap from $15 million to $25 million for one specific project: the I-195 redevelopment district parcel 42 and P4 (authorized in 2018). It does not change the $15 million cap for other projects, which must still meet requirements like a $5 million minimum project cost, 20% owner equity, and project financing gap criteria. The change applies solely to this designated I-195 project, allowing it to access higher tax credits while maintaining other program rules for all other developments. The bill focuses on a targeted adjustment for a single redevelopment site, not a broad policy shift.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the continued purchase, cancellation and forgiveness of medical debt consistent with section 35-4-21.1 of the General Laws.