Rep. John Lombardi

Maddy summaryHB 5441 reduces the waiting period for expunging criminal records in Rhode Island. It shortens the timeframe to three years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and five years for felonies or multiple misdemeanors (two to five offenses). The bill applies to eligible first-time offenders who have paid all court fees and fines, excluding those convicted of violent crimes or specific offenses under Chapter 29 of Title 12. Expungement remains unavailable for violent offenses, and records related to decriminalized offenses can still be expunged after conviction.

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Amos House, provided it remains a qualified tax-exempt corporation pursuant to §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Authorizes municipalities to impose a ticket tax on ticket sales for venues large enough to hold at least eight hundred (800) patrons, seated, of two dollars ($2) per ticket. The tax shall be redistributed to the locality where the venue is located.

Maddy summaryHR 6366 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 27, 2025, as "ALS Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It formally acknowledges the impact of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) through statements about its severity and the work of ALS United Rhode Island, the state's sole nonprofit dedicated to supporting ALS patients and families. The resolution encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn about ALS, support affected individuals, and participate in ALS United RI's annual Soak Challenge event on June 1, 2025. It does not create new laws or allocate funds, but serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition and advocacy.

Creates a bail task force to study the need of monetary conditions of bail and to consider other methods for ensuring an accused’s appearance in court, enhance public safety and honor the presumption of innocence.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to Sojourner House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations.

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

Maddy summaryHB 5475 proposes to exempt new and used bicycles from state sales and use taxes. This means that individuals purchasing a bicycle would no longer be charged sales tax on that transaction. The bill amends existing state laws that outline which goods and services are exempt from sales and use taxes, adding bicycles to that list. This change directly affects consumers who buy bicycles and businesses that sell them.

Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 9/1/25, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.

Extends allocation of motor fuel tax to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Fund through 2025. Changes the allocation to 30% total proceeds, including 30% from the one cent per gallon environmental protection fee through 2026 and thereafter.