Imposes a tax equal to four percent (4%) on net investment income, such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains and rental income, of high-income households, estates and trusts, based upon federal guidelines.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7827) commemorates the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic Independence on February 27, 2026, recognizing the contributions of Rhode Island's Dominican community (approximately 54,000 residents) and Dominican-Americans to the state's economy, civic life, and military service. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the President of the Dominican Republic and the Dominican-American Association. It does not create new laws or alter policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of historical ties and community impact.
Maddy summaryHB 7044 establishes an 11-member committee to develop regulations for homeless shelters in Rhode Island. The committee, including homeless individuals, advocates, shelter providers, and housing officials, will draft standards covering access policies, residents' rights, health and safety protocols, and emergency operations. These regulations will ensure shelters provide non-discriminatory services, prohibit fees, protect privacy, and maintain safe environments for residents. The bill does not immediately implement rules but creates a process for developing them through the committee's recommendations.
Maddy summaryHB 7353 amends Rhode Island's 2015 Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act to require police departments to collect detailed data during traffic stops (including officer-perceived race/ethnicity, stop reasons, and outcomes) and submit it monthly to the Department of Transportation's Office of Highway Safety. It mandates an annual external study analyzing this data for racial disparities in traffic stops and searches, to be conducted by a qualified independent agency chosen by the Office of Highway Safety. The study's findings, along with quarterly public summary reports showing racial and demographic breakdowns of stops, must be released annually. This directly affects all Rhode Island municipal police departments and the state police, requiring them to implement new data collection and reporting procedures. The law aims to provide transparent, data-driven insights into policing practices without speculating on outcomes.
Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale also prohibits at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War (1778-1783). It specifically recognizes their contributions, including their role in the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth where they repelled British forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to historical organizations, the Governor, congressional delegation, and relevant groups to promote awareness of this history. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but aims to increase public recognition of Black soldiers' role in the American Revolution.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 7-14, 2026, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the impact of congenital heart defects - such as septal defects or hypoplastic left heart syndrome - on newborns and families. The resolution urges Rhode Island citizens to observe the week and acknowledges medical efforts to improve outcomes for affected children. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond raising awareness.
Maddy summaryHB 7498 allows driver education schools in Rhode Island to offer required driver training courses either in-person or through instructor-led virtual classes for a two-year period (October 2026 to October 2028). This applies specifically to applicants under 18 seeking their first driver's license, as they must complete the course before receiving a permit or license. The bill maintains existing course requirements, including 33 instructional hours covering Rhode Island traffic laws, alcohol/drug effects, and graduated licensing rules, but permits virtual delivery during the trial period. It also mandates the state education board to compare virtual and in-person course outcomes and report findings by December 2028.
Maddy summaryHB 7419 extends current teacher certifications for three or five years without fees or penalties for all teachers certified as of July 1, 2026. It waives all application fees and Praxis exam costs for new teacher certifications from July 2026 through June 2029 to support recruitment. The bill also requires the Rhode Island Department of Education to revise certification rules to create multiple pathways, including accepting non-traditional experience and competency demonstrations for credentialing. These changes aim to reduce barriers for teachers seeking initial or additional certifications while streamlining the process.
Maddy summaryHB 7595 would impose a 1% tax on the worldwide wealth of Rhode Island residents, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to individuals and businesses (defined as "artificial persons") with significant assets like stocks, business ownership, and intellectual property. The tax is calculated annually based on the fair market value of these assets as of December 31 each year. This directly affects high-net-worth residents and entities domiciled in Rhode Island, excluding certain exempt intangible assets.
