Rep. Alex Finkelman

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5877 amends the state's "Access to Public Records" law. Its primary provision requires that public records maintained in a computer storage system be provided to any requester at no charge. This change directly impacts both individuals and entities seeking government information, as well as the public bodies responsible for maintaining and releasing these electronic records. The bill also reinforces existing requirements for public bodies regarding record inspection, copying, and establishing clear procedures for responding to requests.

Allows the commissioners of the water and sewer commission for the town of Jamestown to limit its public water system's obligation to supply water only within designated and described area as opposed to the entire land area of the town.

Maddy summaryHB 6216 proposes to grant the town of Jamestown an exemption from the state's four percent property tax levy cap. This would allow Jamestown to increase its total property tax revenue by more than the standard four percent annually. The exemption is contingent on the town continuing to use a financial town meeting, where voters must approve any proposed levy increase that exceeds the cap. This bill directly affects the town of Jamestown's local taxation authority and its property owners.

Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island, recognizing military-connected children's sacrifices. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Middletown School Committee and Superintendent, acknowledging Middletown's large military-connected student population (15% of enrollment). The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial recognition, following similar national observances. It does not create new programs or obligations for schools or the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5785 creates a temporary sales tax holiday on August 9-10, 2025, waiving sales tax on most nonbusiness retail purchases of tangible personal property. It excludes telecommunications, tobacco, fuel, vehicles, meals, and single items priced over $2,500. Vendors cannot collect tax on qualifying purchases during those dates and must refund any improperly collected tax. The bill requires vendors to maintain regular reporting obligations and mandates a post-holiday revenue report to state committees. This policy directly affects individual consumers making eligible purchases during the two-day window.

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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6197) declares April as "Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages history and social science educators in public schools to incorporate lessons about past and current genocides into their curriculum, aligning with the state's existing 2016 education requirements and the work of the Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission. The resolution does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of educating students to prevent future atrocities, urging a commitment to combat bigotry and injustice.