Rep. Michelle McGaw

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.

Includes "hosting platform" under the definition of "room-seller" and imposes a tax of 5% on the rental of a house or condominium with the tax used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

Allows a clinical laboratory, that is incorporated in the State of Rhode Island, to analyze blood samples, from children under the age of six (6) years, for blood lead levels.

Maddy summaryHB 5779, titled the "2021 Act on Climate," proposes to increase a fee imposed on petroleum products received at marine terminals in the state. The bill would raise the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee from five cents to ten cents for each barrel of petroleum products. These collected funds, along with existing money from the Oil Spill Prevention, Administration, and Response Fund and the Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act, would be directed towards climate change initiatives. Specifically, the funds would support the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council's efforts to reduce climate emissions and meet the goals of the 2021 Act on Climate.

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 summaryHR 6313 is a resolution that proclaims May 10th, 2025, as "Lupus Day" in the State of Rhode Island. It aims to raise public awareness of lupus and encourages charitable donations to organizations engaged in lupus research and patient services.

Requires public middle schools, to allow students from a recognized non-public, charter, or alternative education institution, to participate in a non-sponsored sport in the school district where the student resides.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5080 amends state sales and use tax laws. This bill exempts scalp hair prostheses or wigs from sales tax. The exemption applies specifically when these items are necessary due to hair loss resulting from a medical condition. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on individuals who require these items for medical reasons.