Increases the imprisonment penalty for animal fighting from 2 to 5 yrs for a subsequent conviction under § 4-1-9 and would also require mandatory community service
Creates a special license plate for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Inc. that would support the Blackstone River Valley Environmental Clean-up and Education Fund.
Maddy summaryHB 5695 allows municipalities to hold local tax amnesty events once every three years, enabling residents to avoid late fees on overdue real estate, property, and vehicle taxes. The bill permits cities to create two separate 60-day periods annually (during 2024-2025) where taxpayers can submit written requests to waive interest and penalties. It excludes taxes owed for the current tax year during amnesty periods and requires tax officials to provide written decisions, with appeals to city councils within 10 days if denied. This directly affects taxpayers with overdue local tax payments and gives municipalities a structured process to encourage payment without penalties.
Eliminates one of two (2) conflicting versions of the science and technology advisory council authorizing statute, clarifying the structure of the council.
Increases the taxable wage base for TDI claims from $38,000 to $100,000 or the annual earnings needed by an individual to qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount and the maximum duration under chapters 39 through 41 of this title.
Prohibits an individual who is licensed as both a Rhode Island real estate agent and mortgage loan originator to be compensated for both the sale of the property and the origination or referral of the loan in securing the property.
Amends the types of products which pharmacists may prescribe as substitute drugs or products to include "devices and supplies" and "therapeutically equivalent drugs and pharmaceuticals."
Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.
Increases from 7 days to 9 days the period of time in which a request for a recount of the votes cast can be made to the board of elections and no certificates of election may be issued until the recount, if any, is completed.
Updates and expands the current law to include menopause and menopause related conditions in the law on fair employment practices pertaining to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions.
