Rep. David Place

Maddy summaryHB 7399 removes pet care services (like grooming or boarding) from the list of taxable services under the state's sales tax code. This change means pet care businesses will no longer have to collect sales tax on these services, directly affecting them and their customers. The bill specifically repeals the tax classification for pet care services as defined in sections 44-18-7(19) and 44-18-7.3(b)(3) of the tax code. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on January 28, 2026.

Provides the review and appeal process for individuals applying for a permit or license to carry a handgun with the licensing authority or attorney general.

Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun. It would impose criminal penalties for a person to sell or transfer a stun gun to a person under the age of eighteen (18).

Makes it permissible for any student, professor, or other employee of any public or private college or university, to carry, possess and have in their custody, possession and/or under their control, a stun-gun or pepper spray for purposes of self-defense.

Maddy summaryHR 7257 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit annual state budget growth in Rhode Island. The bill would require that total state spending increases each year not exceed the higher of either the previous year's inflation rate (using the Consumer Price Index) or the growth rate of Rhode Island personal income. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergencies approved by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. If approved by voters, this amendment would directly affect how the state government sets annual budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 7251 limits annual state spending growth to the higher of Rhode Island's inflation rate or personal income growth rate, whichever is greater. This directly affects the state budget process by capping how much total state spending can increase each year from the previous year's level. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergency expenditures approved by a two-thirds vote. The bill requires annual reporting on spending growth versus the limit and mandates the governor to create a reduction plan if the legislature exceeds the cap. It takes effect upon passage.

Prohibits contractors from submitting a single application to a local review board seeking a comprehensive permit for housing projects in certain circumstances.

Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Expands Rhode Island Housing’s authority to revise the qualified allocation plan to prioritize cost-efficient affordable housing production and total units, while reducing the scoring weight of non-production-related criteria.