Rep. Greg Costantino

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.

Maddy summaryHB 8149 specifies how fines collected from overweight vehicle violations are distributed to state and local governments. It does not change weight limits or enforcement rules but establishes a mechanism for allocating penalty payments. The key provision directs that these funds be distributed to state and local governments, affecting their budgets. This bill, introduced in February 2026, focuses solely on the financial handling of existing penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 7397 repeals the corporation minimum tax, a flat fee that small businesses had to pay regardless of profits. This change directly affects small businesses operating in the state that previously owed this minimum tax. The bill removes the requirement for these businesses to pay the minimum tax, simplifying their tax obligations under the current business corporation tax code.

Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Permits dealers without a distributor's license to resell cigars, and ultra premium pipe tobacco, excluding pipe tobacco intended for cigarettes, to other dealers.

Provides that retirees in the state pension system receive cost of living adjustments compounded into the retiree’s total retirement benefits each year beginning January 1, 2026. This act would be prospective only.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for affordable housing projects based on its specific zoning requirements. The legislation establishes statewide inclusionary zoning standards requiring at least 15% of new development units to remain affordable for 30 years, while permitting municipalities to offer density bonuses like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes in exchange for providing affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, use alternative methods like off-site construction or land donations, or pay a fee-in-lieu that funds affordable housing projects elsewhere in the municipality. The bill also specifies that fee-in-lieu payments must be used exclusively for affordable housing serving families earning 80% or less of the area median income and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds.

Permits Smithfield to require 2 parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking is available near these units.

Authorizes the town of Smithfield, if an aggregate of two hundred fifty (250) or more units should be proposed in comprehensive permit project(s), to enact an emergency moratorium until the permit requirement of § 45-53-4 are amended.

Authorizes the town of Johnston, if an aggregate of two hundred fifty (250) or more units should be proposed in comprehensive permit project(s), to enact an emergency moratorium until the permit requirement of § 45-53-4 are amended.