Rep. Bob Phillips

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.

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5393 shifts the responsibility for maintaining sidewalks along state highways from local entities to the state government. Under this bill, the state would be accountable for all upkeep of these sidewalks, such as repairs and general maintenance. However, the state would not be responsible for snow and ice removal on these sidewalks, which would remain with other parties. This change clarifies maintenance duties for sidewalks used by pedestrians and directly affects state and local government entities.

Provides for increases or decreases in the amount of foundation level school support that a community would receive, based upon a community's ability to meet and surpass its minimum low- and moderate-income housing requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6331 is a commemorative resolution from the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It extends warm wishes and celebrates the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies to Pope Leo XIV and the Diocese of Providence.

Maddy summaryHB 5758 proposes to reduce the personal income tax burden for Rhode Island residents receiving social security benefits. The bill amends the state's personal income tax law to allow individuals to subtract their social security benefits from their federal adjusted gross income when calculating their state taxable income. This modification would effectively exempt social security benefits from being subject to state personal income tax. The changes outlined in the bill are slated to become effective on January 1, 2025.

Establishes the Housing Flexible Spending Account Act of 2025 allowing Rhode Island employers to contribute pre-tax income into a housing flexible spending account (H-FSA), for employees to be used for qualified housing expenses.

Allows a clinical laboratory, that is incorporated in the State of Rhode Island, to analyze blood samples, from children under the age of six (6) years, for blood lead levels.

Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5403 proposes to repeal the state's corporation minimum tax. This change would directly affect all corporations, including certain small businesses, that are currently required to pay this minimum amount. The bill specifically removes the provision in state law that mandates a minimum tax payment, which is currently set at $400 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2017. If enacted, corporations would no longer be subject to this baseline tax.