Rep. Jon Brien

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of the late Honorable Edward L. Maggiacomo. It directly affects his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, by formally acknowledging their loss. The resolution honors Maggiacomo's distinguished public service career, which included roles as a U.S. Army Lieutenant, a state representative, and a Democratic National Committeeman. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his immediate family.

Increase the estate exemption to $5,000,000 for January 1, 2027, $7,500,000 for January 1, 2029, $10,000,000 for January 1, 2031. This act would eliminate the estate tax for decedents whose death occurs on or after January 1, 2033.

Maddy summaryHB 8512 amends the state sales and use tax code to exempt food and beverage purchases made during designated summer and winter restaurant weeks. This change directly affects restaurant customers who would no longer pay sales tax on their meals during these specific promotional periods. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to the existing list of tax exemptions, which currently includes items like school meals, newspapers, and charitable organization purchases. While the text of the bill contains extensive details on other existing exemptions, the primary new policy introduced is the temporary tax relief for dining during the specified restaurant weeks.

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.

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 summaryHB 8199 creates a temporary sales tax holiday for qualifying items on August 8 and 9, 2026. During this period, retailers will not collect sales tax on eligible purchases. The bill directly affects consumers making purchases during those dates and retailers who would normally collect sales tax. This provision exempts specific items from state sales tax for two days, though the abstract does not specify which items qualify.

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.