Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the Cambodian New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) and "The Year of the Snake" celebration in Rhode Island, specifically from April 14-16, 2025. It honors the traditions of this three-day holiday, including its cultural significance marking the end of the harvest season and the Zodiac-based year designation. The resolution expresses the House’s respect for Rhode Island’s Cambodian community and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, Inc.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $991,000 for the town of Middletown to upgrade the gymnasium at the new Middletown middle high school to serve as a regional emergency shelter.

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

Provides the general assembly make an annual appropriation of not less than eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) to the Rhode Island emergency management agency to assist with emergency communications during major or multiple emergency incidents.

Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.

Maddy summaryHB 5404 provides a tax credit for businesses and individuals who donate "apparently wholesome food" (safe-to-eat food that may be imperfect in appearance) to qualifying nonprofit organizations. Donors can claim a credit equal to 75% of the food's fair market value (up to $5,000 annually) and a separate 50% credit for transportation costs (also capped at $5,000). To qualify, the donated food must be distributed to people in need or sold at minimal "good samaritan" prices, and nonprofits must provide a certificate verifying compliance. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of the tax code and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 4, 2025, as "Transit Equity Day" in Rhode Island to honor Rosa Parks' birthday and her historic stand for equitable public transit. It symbolically recognizes the connection between her civil rights activism and the need for accessible, sustainable transportation systems that serve all communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with transit agencies and advocacy groups to raise public awareness - without creating new laws or funding. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond symbolic recognition.)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2025 as "Community Development Month" in Rhode Island through a ceremonial resolution. It recognizes Community Development Corporations and nonprofit housing developers (specifically acknowledging The Housing Network of Rhode Island and its members) for their work in creating affordable housing, supporting community services like childcare and job training, and improving economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to HNRI's Executive Director, Melina Lodge, as formal acknowledgment of these organizations' contributions. As a symbolic gesture with no new policy requirements or funding, it does not alter laws or directly affect residents' daily lives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state's history of linguistic diversity and aims to highlight the educational needs of students learning multiple languages, while encouraging schools to adopt inclusive practices like dual-language programs. The resolution has no binding requirements but formally calls for community recognition and advocacy to support these learners' academic success.

Replaces CRMC with a newly created division of coastal resources management, a state entity within the DEM and would transfer all authority to the DEM with duties and responsibilities to be carried out by the division of coastal resources management.