Rep. David Morales

Maddy summaryHR 6017 would allocate $450,000 in state funds to the Rhode Island Food Bank for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This funding aims to address Rhode Island's food insecurity crisis, where 38% of households face difficulty accessing food and a $400 million funding gap is projected. The resolution directs the state controller to pay the funds upon receipt of proper documentation. This is a direct funding measure to support existing food bank operations, not a new program.

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.

Establishes a restricted receipt account for the benefit of the Rhode Island public transit authority, funded by sales taxes collected from ride-share companies, which said sales taxes would be exempt from indirect cost recovery provisions.

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 the state's 2025 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling twenty five million dollars ($25,000,000) for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held on November 3, 2026.

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.