Rep. Bill O'Brien

Maddy summaryHB 7594 increases Rhode Island's earned-income tax credit (EITC) rate to 30% for tax years beginning in 2027 and later. This change directly benefits low-to-moderate income workers who qualify for the EITC, providing them with a larger refundable tax credit. The bill amends the state's tax code to adjust the credit percentage while maintaining the existing eligibility rules for qualifying individuals and families. This is a concrete policy change that will increase tax refunds for eligible working residents starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 7695 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the establishment of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects developers and operators of data centers that meet specific criteria defined in the bill. The key mechanism is granting these tax exemptions for eligible costs related to constructing or operating qualifying facilities, including equipment and infrastructure. This policy change reduces financial barriers for data center projects by lowering their operational tax burden.

Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded public works projects involving glass installation to hire certified workers, with the number of certified employees on each crew increasing from one to 50% over a four-year period starting in 2024. It defines "public works projects" broadly to include any construction or renovation undertaken by the state, municipalities, or schools that exceed specific spending thresholds, such as one million dollars for renovations or five million dollars for new construction. The Department of Labor and Training is tasked with enforcing these rules, which include holding hearings for violations and imposing fines or license revocations for non-compliance.

Provides for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Rhode Island to encourage residents to improve their personal finance skills. The resolution urges citizens to participate in financial education programs during the month and throughout the year. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the RI JumpStart Coalition to support these efforts.

Converts the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act into a continuing scholarship program at Rhode Island College, similar to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.

Maddy summaryHB 7458 would create a state-funded program to help cover college tuition costs for students pursuing degrees in teaching fields that are currently in short supply, such as math, science, or special education. This program directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs at public or participating private colleges. The key provision is providing financial assistance to reduce tuition barriers for these future educators, aiming to increase the number of qualified teachers in high-need subject areas. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced on January 30, 2026.

Requires renovation projects of pre-1978 buildings to comply with provisions of chapter 24.6 of title 23 and chapter 21 of title 28, and requires presence of lead inspector and supervisor and requires lead training. DLT ensures compliance.