Rep. Brandon Voas

Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.

Maddy summaryHB 5107 prohibits health care providers, facilities, and others from offering or accepting payments (like commissions or kickbacks) to refer patients to health care services. It directly affects entities such as hospitals, clinics, insurers, and referral services that might engage in such financial arrangements. The law bans these practices through specific prohibitions and imposes fines ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 per violation, based on the number of patients involved. Enforcement will be handled by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, with limited exceptions for existing arrangements like group practices or insurance agent commissions.

Prohibits psychological abuse in the workplace by employers or co-workers, ensuring a safe environment for employees, provides protection, civil remedies, and penalties for employers based on revenue.

Maddy summaryHR 5480 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives expressing condolences to the family of Dr. Joseph J. Box following his death. The bill formally honors Dr. Box's life, highlighting his service as a dentist, U.S. Navy/Marine Corps Dental Technician, community leader, and Pawtucket resident. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his children. As a memorial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryHB 5114 would change the governance of Rhode Island's Urban Collaborative (a group of school districts including Providence, Pawtucket, and East Providence) from its current structure to a board of trustees. The board would include the Providence superintendent, representatives from other participating districts, and members appointed by the education council with input from the education commissioner. The bill also specifies that the collaborative would directly receive state education funding (including foundation aid) starting July 1, 2013, with local districts transferring the appropriate funding shares. This bill was introduced to the House Education Committee in January 2025 but withdrawn the same month.

Creates the Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protect Act for data privacy protections for the personal data of the citizens of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax exemption for redevelopment projects to include the city of Central Falls, joining Providence and Pawtucket in this benefit. Under the new rule, real property acquired by redevelopment agencies in Central Falls will not be taxed unless the city council specifically passes an ordinance to allow it. This change applies immediately upon the bill's passage and affects only the specific real estate projects designated for redevelopment within the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the specific composition of the housing authority for the city of Central Falls, directly affecting how residents and officials select its members. It requires the authority to include five members, one of whom must be a resident of public housing or a Section 8 voucher recipient in the city, appointed by the mayor from a list of nominees provided by the executive director. The remaining four members must be residents of Central Falls approved by a majority of the city council, and any member who moves out of the city or ceases to live in public housing must vacate their seat. Additionally, the bill updates similar appointment rules for town housing authorities in Lincoln and North Providence, ensuring at least one commissioner is a public housing resident in those jurisdictions as well.

Maddy summaryHB 8076 expands eligibility for state property tax exemptions by allowing holders of a life estate to claim the same veteran tax benefits as the original veteran owner. This change directly affects individuals who possess a life interest in real property owned by a qualifying veteran, such as family members living in a home after the veteran's death. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these life estate holders can use the exemption amount available to the veteran, which varies by municipality and ranges from $1,000 to over $40,000 depending on the town. The legislation applies to veterans who served honorably in various conflicts from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf War, as well as their unmarried widows or widowers.

Requires that certain quarterly reports required to be filed by district charter schools, mayoral academies and independent charter schools be submitted to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.