Rep. Alex Finkelman

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6372 is a formal request from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to the U.S. Coast Guard. It urges the Coast Guard to retain and maintain 38 buoys currently considered for removal from Rhode Island waters. The resolution aims to ensure the safety of recreational boaters and commercial traffic, emphasizing the importance of physical aids to navigation alongside modern electronic systems.

Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.

Creates a taskforce to provide recommendations, advice and guidance to help expedite and provide technical assistance with regard to the development of solar energy systems on property owned by the state.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6357) commemorates the 100th anniversary of Temple Emanu-El's founding in Providence, Rhode Island, which began in 1924. It formally celebrates the congregation's centennial and recognizes its role as a community hub for Jewish life, education, and worship over the past century. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Temple Emanu-El's president, Pam Kaitin-Miller. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 6350 amends the current laws regarding hotel taxes. It allows individual cities and towns to levy an additional local hotel tax of up to two percent (2%). This new local tax would be added to the existing one percent (1%) local hotel tax and the five percent (5%) state hotel tax. The state's division of taxation would administer and collect these local taxes, distributing the funds to the city or town where the hotel is located.

Establishes a new high-cost special education fund to pool resources and generate income to support excess costs associated with providing service to special education students.

Maddy summaryHB 6236 proposes to amend the structure of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. It redefines the geographical boundaries of nine school bus regions, affecting pupils attending public, vocational, special education, and certain nonpublic schools. Local school committees are tasked with providing bus transportation for eligible students residing within their specific region. The bill also includes provisions for a transition period for existing transportation arrangements and addresses funding for specific educational programs, including a stabilization fund for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 6335 proclaims May of 2025 as "ALS Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island. The resolution encourages citizens to educate themselves on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and support efforts to combat the disease.

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 5286 proposes to exempt the sale of beer and malt beverages from sales and use tax. This bill would amend Section 44-18-7.1 of the General Laws, which pertains to sales and use taxes, to implement this change. If enacted, consumers would no longer pay sales tax on beer and malt beverages purchased at retail. This directly affects both individuals who buy these products and retailers responsible for collecting sales taxes.