Rep. Tina Spears

Maddy summaryHB 5779, titled the "2021 Act on Climate," proposes to increase a fee imposed on petroleum products received at marine terminals in the state. The bill would raise the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee from five cents to ten cents for each barrel of petroleum products. These collected funds, along with existing money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration, and Response Fund and the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act, would be directed towards climate change initiatives. Specifically, the funds would support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce climate emissions and meet the goals of the 2021 Act on Climate.

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Allows the town of Middletown to adopt a tax classification plan for residential real estate which divides the class into non-owner and owner-occupied properties with separate tax rates.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5080 amends state sales and use tax laws. This bill exempts scalp hair prostheses or wigs from sales tax. The exemption applies specifically when these items are necessary due to hair loss resulting from a medical condition. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on individuals who require these items for medical reasons.

Maddy summaryHB 5747 establishes a new Board of Trustees for the University of Rhode Island (URI), making it a public corporation with legal title to URI property. This Board assumes powers and duties for URI previously held by the Council on Postsecondary Education, becoming the employer of record for university faculty and staff. The bill grants the Board authority to manage its own procurement processes and requires it to define and implement performance-based measures for the university. Additionally, it mandates the Board to develop transfer pathways for students from community colleges and ensure URI accepts Advanced Placement scores of 3 or better for course credit.

Maddy summaryHB 5280, the "Higher Education Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Act," aims to provide inclusive educational opportunities at state colleges and universities for students aged 18-21 with severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other severe developmental disabilities who receive special education services. The bill allows these students to participate in credit or non-credit courses, internships, and campus life without requiring a high school diploma or college entrance exams. Their participation is considered an approved special education service and a form of secondary school education, covered if addressed in their Individualized Education Program. While state institutions can set selection guidelines, they cannot deny opportunities solely based on disability, and they are not required to fund individual supports beyond typical provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 6248 allows city and town councils to adopt a property tax deferral program for eligible senior citizens, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans who own and occupy a single-family home. Under the program, property taxes can be postponed until the property is sold or all qualified owners die. The deferred taxes, along with 6% annual interest, will constitute a lien against the real estate. Homes with reverse mortgages or less than twenty percent equity are not eligible for this deferral.

Prohibits the state from seeking reimbursement for expenditures made on behalf of disabled Rhode Islanders from an ABLE account after death of the designated beneficiary.

Maddy summaryHB 5529 aims to expand eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs, which assist low-income seniors and people with disabilities with their Medicare costs. It raises the income limit for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program to 138% of the federal poverty line, allowing more individuals to receive state assistance for Medicare Part A and B premiums and cost-sharing. Additionally, the bill establishes a "Qualified Individual" category for those with incomes between 138% and 186% of the federal poverty line, for whom the state would cover Medicare Part B premiums, contingent on full federal funding. This expansion seeks to improve access to medical services and enhance financial security for eligible Medicare enrollees.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $90,000,000 to the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services to be invested in increasing reimbursement rates for all physicians and advanced practice providers.