Rep. Jennifer Boylan

Mandates additional state education funding for the mental and behavioral health of students equal to 2% of the district’s total expenditures, and require those funds be used to hire staff such as school social workers, and behavioral specialists.

Directs the DHS and the department of education to work collaboratively to sustain and strengthen existing workforce development and compensation programs for educators working in licensed child care and early learning programs statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 5981, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," proposes to establish a new state funding category specifically for civics education. This bill amends an existing section of law (16-7.2-6) that outlines various categorical state-funded education expenses. If enacted, public school districts would become eligible to receive direct state funding for their civics education programs, similar to support currently provided for areas like special education and career and technical education.

Maddy summaryHB 5535 proposes to amend the state's sales and use tax laws. This bill specifically exempts "behind-the-meter batteries interconnected with a solar photovoltaic system" from sales tax. The key mechanism is adding these specific energy storage systems to the list of items not subject to sales and use taxes. This change would directly affect individuals and businesses purchasing such solar battery systems by reducing their upfront cost.

Maddy summaryHB 6206 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act, creating a statewide recycling refund program for certain beverage containers. Under this act, "producers" (brand owners) are responsible for compliance with the program's requirements. It defines various types of "redemption sites," such as "express redemption sites" for virtual account credits and "full-service redemption sites" for immediate refunds, where "consumers" can return eligible empty containers. This system aims to promote the collection and recycling of beverages by providing a financial incentive for returns.

Maddy summaryHB 5195 establishes a program to reduce solid waste and promote composting and organic waste diversion in the state. It creates a new solid waste disposal surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per ton, to be paid by entities disposing of waste at refuse disposal facilities. Revenue from this surcharge will fund a new "Compost Fund," administered by the Department of Environmental Management. This fund will award grants to support projects related to reducing solid waste, rescuing surplus food, recovering shells, producing and using compost, and minimizing illegal dumping.

Allows a municipality to set its own conveyance tax rate for residential properties sold in excess of $900,000.00 at $10 per $500. Provides collected taxes to be in a restricted account and distributed within 2 years for affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6311 proclaims May 8, 2025, as "Arts Day in Rhode Island." This resolution encourages all Rhode Islanders to recognize the enriching role of arts and culture in their communities.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6302 proclaims May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in the State of Rhode Island. This resolution formally recognizes the contributions of older adults to the state and authorizes the Secretary of State to transmit a copy to the Director of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6300 proclaims the first full week of May, 2025, as "Composting Awareness Week" in the State of Rhode Island. It urges the Governor and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs, and encourages all Rhode Islanders to participate in composting.