Rep. Dick Fascia

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution from Rhode Island that congratulates Joseph Mazzulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics, on being named the 2025-2026 NBA Coach of the Year. The resolution highlights his achievements, including leading the team to a strong record and playoff success despite an injury to star player Jayson Tatum, as well as his development of other team members. It also notes Mazzulla's background as a native of Rhode Island and his history of leadership in basketball. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Mazzulla as an official acknowledgment of his award.

Maddy summaryHB 7394 requires Rhode Island's Department of Human Services to automatically enroll families receiving cash assistance under the Rhode Island Works Program (Section 40-5.2-11) into SNAP benefits if they meet SNAP's standard eligibility requirements. This change eliminates the need for separate SNAP applications for qualifying families already approved for cash assistance. The bill directly affects low-income households receiving state cash aid who would otherwise need to apply separately for food assistance. It streamlines access to nutrition benefits by linking eligibility determinations between the two programs, with no new benefit amounts or requirements added. The policy takes effect upon passage, applying to all families meeting both programs' criteria.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding on July 4, 2026, specifically within the State of Rhode Island. It encourages citizens, schools, and organizations to participate in events that reflect on American history and the principles of liberty and federalism. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as 'National Police Week' in Rhode Island to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize the sacrifices made by police and other officers. The House of Representatives passed the measure, and the Secretary of State is authorized to send copies of the resolution to relevant police organizations and associations.

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 7392 caps the maximum application fee for healthcare facilities seeking approval to build new or expand tertiary or specialty care services under Rhode Island's certificate of need program at $25,000. The fee is calculated as $10,000 plus 0.25% of the project's total capital costs, but the total cannot exceed $25,000 regardless of project size. This change affects facilities planning high-level care expansions, ensuring predictable costs without exceeding the cap. The bill does not alter fee structures for other healthcare facility applications, such as those for general services.

Maddy summaryHB 7805 establishes Rhode Island's current personal income tax structure, applying to all taxpayers with income in the state (including residents, nonresidents, estates, and trusts). It sets progressive tax rates ranging from 3.75% to 9.90% based on filing status and income levels, with specific brackets adjusted annually for inflation. The bill also includes a cap on capital gains tax rates and provisions for calculating alternative minimum tax. These changes directly affect all Rhode Island taxpayers who file state income tax returns.

Exempts from sales tax the amount paid for a parking space to a patron for one hour or less, in or on a parking facility on which a commercial establishment is located.

Maddy summaryHB 7312 would increase Rhode Island's estate tax exemption to $15 million for estates of people who die on or after January 1, 2027. This means estates valued below $15 million would not owe state estate tax, directly affecting high-value estates (over $15 million) of decedents after 2026. The bill sets the new exemption threshold and requires annual inflation adjustments starting January 1, 2028, using the Consumer Price Index. It does not change tax rates but raises the point at which state estate tax applies.

Provides local agencies with a mechanism to opt-out of statewide transportation upon a showing of a cost-effective alternative to the current fee-for-service model.