Rep. Jennifer Stewart

RDC), $250,000 TO HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL, AND $250,000 TO DORCAS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RHODE ISLAND (Authorizes $250,000 to REFUGEE DREAM CENTER (RDC), $250,000 to HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL, and $250,000 to DORCAS INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RHODE ISLAND

Maddy summaryHR 5536 appropriates $200,000 to fund the Farm Fresh Bonus Bucks Program in Rhode Island. This program directly benefits low-income SNAP recipients who shop at participating farmers markets by doubling the value of their SNAP benefits when spent on locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The funding supports Farm Fresh RI’s existing network of 27 sites across the state, helping families afford fresh produce while supporting local farms. The bill authorizes the state controller to pay the funds to Farm Fresh RI upon receipt of proper vouchers.

Provides a three thousand dollar ($3,000) stipend to a qualified applicant who successfully completes the job training program of the department of human services or department of children, youth and families.

Maddy summaryHB 5974 expands eligibility for the state's crime victim compensation program to include victims of hit-and-run incidents that cause serious bodily injury or death. The bill amends existing law to explicitly add "failure to stop by a driver in circumstances which result in serious bodily injury or death" as a qualifying offense under the program. This means victims of such hit-and-run accidents, who previously might not have been covered, can now apply for financial assistance through the compensation program. The change directly affects individuals injured or killed in hit-and-run crashes where the driver fled the scene.

Maddy summaryHB 6290 proposes a new wealth tax in Rhode Island, directly affecting both individuals and various business entities considered residents of the state. Beginning January 1, 2026, it imposes a one percent (1%) tax on a resident's "taxable worldwide wealth." This wealth is defined as the fair market value of all intangible assets, such as cash, investments, patents, and trademarks, owned or controlled by the resident. Residents will be required to file annual returns by April 15th to report their wealth from the preceding calendar year.

Maddy summaryHR 6020 is a joint resolution that proposes to appropriate $32,594,799 to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding is intended to address an anticipated operating deficit and allow RIPTA to continue its current service levels throughout the state. The appropriation also aims to support the hiring and training of more bus operators through increased wages and benefits, and help implement the State's Act on Climate goals. This bill directly affects RIPTA's operational capacity and the Rhode Islanders who depend on public transportation services.

Maddy summaryHB 5468 proposes to modify how the state's motor fuel tax is adjusted for inflation. Beginning July 1, 2025, and every two years thereafter, the gasoline tax rate will be updated based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers. The bill specifies that this adjustment will now reflect inflation over the preceding two-year period, rather than the current one-year period. The updated tax rate will be rounded to the nearest cent and cannot fall below the existing 32 cents per gallon, affecting motor fuel distributors and ultimately consumers.

Submits 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds to the voters for approval at the November, 2026, general election.

Extends allocation of motor fuel tax to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Fund through 2025. Changes the allocation to 30% total proceeds, including 30% from the one cent per gallon environmental protection fee through 2026 and thereafter.

Maddy summaryHB 5984 establishes "The Medical Primary Care Scholarship Program" to increase the number of primary care healthcare providers in Rhode Island. The program, administered by the Director of the Department of Health, offers scholarships to students pursuing careers as medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Eligible recipients can receive up to $70,000 annually for medical school or $47,000 annually for nurse practitioner or physician assistant programs. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients must agree to work in Rhode Island providing primary care healthcare services upon completing their education and licensing.