Expands the definition of “book or other writing” to sales up to one thousand five hundred (1,500) copies and deny the sales tax exemption for third-party sales.
Maddy summaryHB 6059 creates an exemption for consumer products containing PFAS that have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for food contact, such as certain cookware. It applies directly to manufacturers and sellers of these FDA-approved products, allowing them to continue selling items with PFAS without violating the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024. The exemption takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage and does not alter the main ban on PFAS in other products, which prohibits manufacturing, selling, or distributing PFAS-containing items starting in 2027 (or 2029 for specific products like artificial turf). This provision ensures FDA-approved food-contact products remain exempt from the ban.
Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6195) is a ceremonial resolution declaring April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Rhode Island. It urges all Rhode Islanders to participate in programs and activities that improve personal financial skills, such as budgeting, saving, and avoiding predatory practices. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding - it simply recognizes the importance of financial education and encourages community engagement during April 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5546 requires drivers providing for-hire intrastate passenger transportation (including taxis, limousines, and ride-share services like Uber/Lyft) in Rhode Island to complete a national and state criminal background check with fingerprinting before operating. The check covers specific serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, violent crimes, drug felonies, and DUI-related deaths; drivers must pay for the check and receive a "background check clearance certificate" from the state division. If disqualifying crimes are found, drivers may appeal or demonstrate rehabilitation after a 2-year period without new offenses. The clearance certificate is valid for five years and applies to all new drivers and renewals.
Maddy summaryHB 5033 removes the requirement for nuclear plant construction projects to seek approval from the Rhode Island General Assembly. This bill directly affects developers planning new nuclear facilities, as they will no longer need legislative sign-off for project plans. The key change shifts the approval process away from the General Assembly, meaning developers must now navigate other regulatory pathways instead of legislative review. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter existing regulatory authority for other entities.
Maddy summaryHB 6164 creates a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office to address consumer protection, health care regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against businesses or organizations engaging in repeated illegal activities that harm the public, including seeking court orders to stop such conduct and recover restitution or fines. It requires the bureau to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes like injunctions or penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to entities already exempted under existing law.
Includes the governor's commission on disabilities in the decision making process for the disability parking enforcement enhancement program and requires an annual report be submitted to the governor's commission.
Imposes a property tax on non-owner occupied residential properties assessed worth at one million dollars ($1,000,000) and less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and a higher tax on properties assessed at two million dollars ($2,000,000) or more.
