Rep. Jay Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding House resolution commemorating World Refugee Day on June 20, 2025, and recognizing Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for its 100+ years of service to refugees and immigrants. It formally acknowledges Dorcas' work through programs like resettlement, legal services, and job training, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dorcas' CEO. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative recognition. It directly affects Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island as the recipient of this formal acknowledgment.

Extends the sunset provision of the four (4) year pilot program to prevent drug overdoses through the establishment of harm reduction centers for two (2) years to March 1, 2028.

Permits the town of Tiverton to require additional testing, to be performed by the developer, to ensure that there is no dewatering or loss of effective recharge to surrounding wells within close proximity of the new well.

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

Allows the town of Tiverton, with an aggregate of five hundred (500) or more units proposed in a comprehensive permit project, to enact a short-term emergency moratorium until the permit laws are amended.

Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.

Prohibits applications for a comprehensive permit under the Rhode Island comprehensive planning and land use regulation act in any watershed overlay protection district located in the town of Tiverton.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the town of Tiverton to set different tax rates for different property types, such as residential homes versus commercial buildings. It creates five property classes: Class 1 (small residential properties, open space, and leased dwellings, with options for homestead exemptions or separate owner/non-owner rates), Class 2 (commercial, industrial, and larger residential), Class 3 (tangible personal property), Class 4 (motor vehicles, though this tax is repealed), and Class 5 (mobile homes). Tiverton can adjust rates within each class to determine how much property owners pay, while keeping rates uniform for similar properties. This change directly affects Tiverton residents and businesses by altering how local property taxes are calculated based on property type.

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.