Rep. June Speakman

Primary HR 7776

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $20,000,000 FOR THE HOUSING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to restore $20 million in funding for Rhode Island's Down Payment Assistance program, which helps first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes afford a home. The legislation would direct the state treasurer to release these funds to eligible buyers, providing up to $20,000 toward their down payment to remove financial barriers to homeownership. It specifically addresses the removal of this funding in the 2024-2025 proposed budget by authorizing the appropriation from the state treasury for that fiscal year.

died May 14, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7335

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- STATE AID TO LIBRARIES

Requires that the state's share to public libraries be fixed at twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2024, utilizing funds from the general fund or the American Rescue Plan Act.

died May 14, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7486

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX -- CAPITAL GAINS

Amends the capital gains tax rates and holding period from 5 years to 1 year. Imposes a non-owner occupied tax on homes assessed at more than $1,000,000.

died May 14, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7742

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR ACTIONS -- SMALL CLAIMS AND CONSUMER CLAIMS

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how appeals are handled in small claims and consumer cases by requiring both plaintiffs and defendants to sign a written waiver of their right to appeal before filing their initial claim or counterclaim. It adjusts the specific fees associated with filing these claims and pursuing appeals, directing a portion of the initial payment toward a dedicated fund for small claims mediation services. Additionally, the legislation establishes a rule where a consumer defendant who fails to respond to a lawsuit will lose the ability to appeal the resulting judgment or request a new trial in a higher court. These changes aim to streamline the legal process for minor disputes while creating a specific financial mechanism to support mediation efforts.

Passed May 13, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7371

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- FAMILY COURT

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

Passed May 13, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7323

Signed into law · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

Allows the town council of Portsmouth, by ordinance or resolution, to exempt Quaker Manor from valuation for taxation or to enter into tax abatement or payment in lieu of taxes agreements.

Signed into law May 10, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 7759

Signed into law · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Directs the department of transportation to prepare a monthly "Washington Bridge snapshot report" containing information on the progress of repairs and other actions pertaining to the Washington Bridge.

Signed into law May 10, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 7490

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND FAMILY CAREGIVER TAX CREDIT ACT

Establishes a tax credit against income tax based on eligible expenses incurred for care and support of an eligible family member.

died May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 7031

died · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- CERTIFICATION OF CHILDCARE AND YOUTH-SERVING WORKERS AND OPERATORS

Repeals the provision that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their background checks.

died May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HR 8260

Passed · Rhode Island House · Lead sponsor

HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 11-18, 2024, AS "QUAHOG WEEK 2024" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Passed May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track