Rep. Tina Spears

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the rules for retired members of the state retirement system regarding post-retirement employment. It specifically allows any retired member of the system to serve as a member of the Rhode Island state labor relations board. Under this change, these individuals can hold the position and continue to receive their retirement allowance without forfeiture or reduction. No additional service credits will be granted for this service.

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.

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).

Maddy summaryHB 5030 authorizes the town council of South Kingstown to establish a homestead exemption for local property taxes. This exemption would apply to residential or mixed-use properties and could reduce their assessed value by up to ten percent. For mixed-use properties, the exemption would be prorated based on the percentage of residential square footage. The town council would be responsible for setting eligibility rules for the exemption, which takes effect on December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6223) is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally declares April 2025 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the growing impact of autism (affecting about 1 in 36 children) and acknowledges efforts by individuals and agencies to support autistic residents and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy changes or funding impacts but aims to raise public recognition of autism-related issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries or core charges when customers return used vehicle parts (like batteries or auto components). It directly affects retailers selling batteries and motor vehicle parts, requiring them to hold these deposits in trust for the state and not include them in taxable sales. The tax department must notify retailers about this exemption and post clear notices at their stores. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage, removing tax from these specific refundable fees.

Creates the home-fit dwelling units act to apply to all new construction of covered dwelling units to incorporate design features that provide safe and convenient use of to the greatest extent feasible, regardless of age or physical ability.

Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

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.

Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.