Rep. Jay Edwards

Creates a special legislative commission to study/provide recommendations for water supply planning for new housing developments in rural communities, whose findings/recommendations to the House of Representatives on or before 6/15/27 and expires 7/1/27.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026, and honors the work of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. It acknowledges the organization's long history of providing services such as legal aid, English classes, and employment support to refugees and immigrants in the state. The resolution also highlights the economic contributions of refugees to Rhode Island's communities and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the organization's CEO.

Maddy summaryHB 7702 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax calculation by adding back certain federal tax exclusions to residents' adjusted gross income. It specifically requires adding nonqualified withdrawals from tuition savings programs (e.g., withdrawals not used for education costs) and federal PPP loan forgiveness exceeding $250,000. The bill also allows a deduction of up to $500 ($1,000 for joint filers) for contributions to Rhode Island's tuition savings program, subject to limits like excluding rollovers or non-participant contributions. This directly affects residents using tuition savings accounts or receiving federal stimulus funds, altering their taxable income for state tax purposes.

Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally thanks and honors the groundskeepers, maintenance staff, and cemetery specialists at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. It recognizes these employees for their dedicated work in maintaining the 280-acre site, which serves as the final resting place for over 30,000 veterans and their families. The resolution specifically acknowledges the professionalism and respect shown by the staff, noting that some are veterans themselves and that they are state employees under the Office of Veterans Services. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Office of Veterans Services and the cemetery staff as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially designates May 2026 as 'Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month' in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public understanding of these chronic conditions by encouraging awareness and education activities throughout the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to acknowledge the partnership.

Establishes sales and use tax exemptions for commercial forest product operations and creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles".

Amends the definition of public record to exempt from public disclosure the city or town of residence of the justices, judges, and magistrates of the unified judicial system.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that officially celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on May 19, 2026. It recognizes the organization's decade-long work in supporting Latino entrepreneurs, small businesses, and underserved communities through various programs like financial training and networking events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the Chamber's leader, Oscar Mejias, as a formal acknowledgment of their contributions to Rhode Island's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote road safety and educate the public about sharing the road with motorcyclists. The resolution highlights statistics on motorcycle accidents and encourages all drivers to avoid distracted driving and give motorcycles ample space. It does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic proclamation to raise awareness among motorists and riders.