Rep. Bob Phillips

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island, recognizing military-connected children's sacrifices. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Middletown School Committee and Superintendent, acknowledging Middletown's large military-connected student population (15% of enrollment). The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial recognition, following similar national observances. It does not create new programs or obligations for schools or the state.

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 5732 proposes a constitutional amendment (the "Green Amendment") that would add a new right to all Rhode Islanders: the inherent right to clean air, clean water, healthy soil, a stable climate, and preservation of natural, scenic, and recreational environmental values. If approved by voters, it would require the state to act as a trustee of natural resources, protecting these rights equitably for all people regardless of race, gender, or income, and for both current and future generations. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, and must be voted on by Rhode Island residents at the next statewide general election. This is a procedural proposal - voters must approve it before it becomes part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 5885 allows caterers with Class P licenses in Rhode Island to purchase alcoholic beverages from either retail or wholesale establishments within the state, expanding their purchasing options. The bill requires caterers to follow specific service rules, including serving no more than two drinks at a time, verifying IDs for those under 30, limiting service to five hours per event, and using only certified bartenders. Caterers with a separate Class B license may still purchase wholesale directly, though wholesalers can refuse orders or set minimum purchase requirements. Violations, such as improper purchasing, carry a $500 fine and risk license revocation. This change directly affects licensed caterers operating events across Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 5554 prohibits payment networks, banks, and processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity portion of electronic credit or debit card transactions. Merchants must report tax and gratuity amounts during transaction processing to avoid these fees; if they fail to do so, they can submit proof within 180 days for refunds. The law directly affects businesses that collect sales tax or tips (e.g., restaurants, retailers) and payment networks handling card transactions. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with violations subject to $1,000 penalties per transaction. The bill does not change tax or tip amounts but removes fees charged on those specific portions.

Exempts certain cities and towns whose communities exceed the low and moderate income housing threshold from the tax of the previous year's gross scheduled rental income.

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 171st anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity by designating March 31 (the treaty’s signing date) as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Rhode Island’s historical ties to Japan, including Commodore Matthew Perry’s Newport roots, the Newport-Shimoda sister city relationship, and cultural exchanges like the Black Ships Festival. The resolution also recognizes current economic and diplomatic connections, noting Japanese companies employ 2,300 Rhode Islanders and contribute $182 million in annual exports. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with state officials, federal representatives, and the Japanese Consul General in Boston.

Maddy summaryHB 5819 changes how excess renewable energy credits are paid for net metering systems. Instead of receiving the full retail electricity rate (what customers pay), solar and other eligible renewable system owners will now be paid the lower wholesale rate for surplus power they send back to the grid. This directly affects residential, commercial, and community solar projects, including those serving low-income housing developments. The bill updates definitions and eligibility rules for net metering systems but focuses the key change on the payment rate for excess energy.