Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryHB 5201 amends the "Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act" to ensure full state funding for certain transportation costs. Specifically, it mandates that, starting with the fiscal year 2026 budget, the state will fully fund transportation categorical funds between the state and regional school districts. This aims to provide complete state coverage for these specific transportation expenses for regional school districts. The act also outlines state funding for other categorical programs, such as excess costs for special education, career and technical education, and pre-kindergarten programs.

Allows an individual school district that can utilize its own buses or vendors at a lower cost than the statewide system, to obtain reimbursement for these costs from state funds.

Increases the state’s regionalization bonus to six percent (6%) of the state’s fiscal year share of foundation education aid. This bonus would be ongoing and continuing so long as the district remains a regional school district.

Provides for paid leave for a state employee who donates an organ. The duration of the leave is dependent on the type of donation and notice should be provided to the employer at least thirty (30) days prior to the leave.

Requires a member of the public to pay any outstanding balances due and owing for previous requests before being provided copies of records and documents on a new request from law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Organ Donation Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages residents to register as organ, eye, or tissue donors through the Rhode Island Donor Registry - primarily by adding the "Heart" symbol to driver's licenses, IDs, or real IDs at the Division of Motor Vehicles, or online at RegisterMe.org. The resolution highlights that 99% of Rhode Island donors register at the DMV and notes the state's goal of increasing donor registration to 50% of the driving population. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the DMV and New England Donor Services. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a law with new requirements.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island, recognizing military-connected children's sacrifices. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Middletown School Committee and Superintendent, acknowledging Middletown's large military-connected student population (15% of enrollment). The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial recognition, following similar national observances. It does not create new programs or obligations for schools or the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the Cambodian New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) and "The Year of the Snake" celebration in Rhode Island, specifically from April 14-16, 2025. It honors the traditions of this three-day holiday, including its cultural significance marking the end of the harvest season and the Zodiac-based year designation. The resolution expresses the House’s respect for Rhode Island’s Cambodian community and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, Inc.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide on April 17, 2025. It formally recognizes the 1975 Khmer Rouge takeover that led to the deaths of approximately 2 million Cambodians and honors survivors and the Cambodian-American community in Rhode Island. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to specific Rhode Island Cambodian community organizations that organize annual remembrance events. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or policies.

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.