Rep. Greg Costantino

Maddy summaryThis bill allows facilities and programs licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health to use qualified vendors to conduct criminal background checks for job applicants. The requirement applies to positions involving routine contact with patients, residents, or clients without other employees present, and the checks must include fingerprinting to verify state and federal criminal records. Organizations with 250 or more employees are specifically required to submit these checks through the Office of the Attorney General, while smaller entities may use local police departments or vendors. If disqualifying information is found, authorities will notify both the employer and the applicant, though the employer will only be told that a disqualifying item exists without knowing its specific nature. Employers must keep proof of these checks on file, and failure to do so could result in the revocation of their facility's license.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to stop retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries and core charges for motor vehicle parts. Under the new rules, these specific fees would be exempt from taxation, while any money collected must be held in trust for the state. The tax division would create guidelines to enforce this change and send notices to retailers instructing them to stop collecting sales tax on these items. This change directly affects businesses that sell automotive batteries and vehicle components by altering how they calculate and collect taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's estate and transfer tax laws to increase the exemption threshold for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2025. Under the new provision, a tax will only be imposed if a resident or nonresident decedent's net taxable estate exceeds four million dollars. The legislation also establishes a mechanism to annually adjust the state's specific tax credit starting in 2026 based on the Consumer Price Index.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes allocating $250,000 in state funds to the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The money is intended to support the council's mission of coordinating community-based services for mental health and substance use prevention and treatment. The legislation authorizes the state controller to release these funds from the general treasury upon receipt of proper financial documentation. This measure directly affects the council's ability to operate and the availability of services for Rhode Island residents struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences for the death of former Representative Mary Louise Walter. It honors her life by noting her long service as a public official, her dedication to her family and community, and her personal interests. The text directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to her daughters, Susan Tronti and Raeann Smoot.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that designates May 21, 2024, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of Cox Communications. The measure acknowledges the company's charitable grants and community support efforts, specifically listing several local organizations that received funding for youth education and environmental projects. It also directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to Cox Communications officials. As a ceremonial proclamation, the bill does not create new laws or change policies but serves to publicly recognize the company's philanthropic activities in the state.

Amends Article 9 of the state budget and various provisions relative to hospital licensing fees, would redefine base year for purposes of calculating disproportionate share payments for fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-day sales tax holiday on August 10 and 11, 2024, allowing consumers to purchase certain items without paying sales tax. The tax break applies only to nonbusiness retail sales of tangible personal property, excluding specific goods like tobacco, fuel, electricity, vehicles, meals, and any single item priced over $2,500. While vendors do not need to collect sales tax on these qualifying purchases during the holiday, they must still file regular tax returns and report the sales. The bill also requires the state revenue director to report the amount of tax revenue forgone and file a detailed report with the legislature by the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 12th through May 18th, 2024, as National Hospital Week in Rhode Island to honor healthcare workers and the vital role hospitals play in the community. The resolution acknowledges the economic and health contributions of local hospitals, noting that they provide essential services and support thousands of jobs in the state. It formally thanks medical professionals for their dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7926 proposes to remove state-owned property from the list of assets exempt from local property taxes in Rhode Island. This change would directly affect municipalities that currently do not pay property taxes on land and buildings owned by the state. The bill achieves this by amending the state's General Laws to eliminate the specific exemption for state property while leaving other existing exemptions, such as those for religious, educational, and charitable organizations, unchanged. If passed, local governments would be responsible for assessing and collecting property taxes on state assets, potentially increasing local revenue.