Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 30, 2025, as "World MS Day" in Rhode Island. It formally expresses the state's appreciation for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 79-year mission to advance research and support for people with MS, highlighting their $1 billion in research funding. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies - it solely serves to honor the Society's work through official recognition. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Society's chairman. (Note: This is a procedural, commemorative resolution, not a law with concrete policy changes.)

Maddy summaryHB 5145 amends the existing definitions related to motor vehicles. Specifically, it expands the definition of an "automobile" for registration purposes to include trucks that have a gross vehicle weight of 8,000 pounds or less. This change allows owners of these lighter trucks to obtain passenger registration license plates instead of other types of vehicle registration.

Maddy summaryHB 5758 proposes to reduce the personal income tax burden for Rhode Island residents receiving social security benefits. The bill amends the state's personal income tax law to allow individuals to subtract their social security benefits from their federal adjusted gross income when calculating their state taxable income. This modification would effectively exempt social security benefits from being subject to state personal income tax. The changes outlined in the bill are slated to become effective on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6328 reaffirms the friendship between the State of Rhode Island and Taiwan. It encourages the Rhode Island State Government to strengthen bilateral trade relations with Taiwan, including considering the opening of a trade office, and supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

Phases in modifications to federal adjusted gross income over a four (4) year period for social security income, from twenty percent (20%) up to eighty percent (80%), beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 6303 is a House Resolution that officially designates the second week of May 2025 as "Lung Cancer Action Week" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution aims to increase public awareness regarding lung cancer education, research, screening, and treatment, with a focus on issues affecting minorities and individuals who have never smoked.

Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.

Maddy summaryHB 5466 proposes to increase the monthly personal needs allowance for residents in nursing facilities who receive medical assistance. The bill would raise this allowance from seventy-five dollars ($75.00) to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per month. This change directly affects these nursing facility residents by providing them with an additional $25 each month for their personal expenses. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Increases individual, group, and Medicaid insurance rates of reimbursement for ambulance and wheelchair van services to be equal to reimbursement rates provided by Medicare for the same medical services.