Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.
Establishes building safety code standards for multi-dwelling buildings and requires the development of recommendations for resolving any conflicts between fire safety codes and the building codes.
Restructures RI Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increase its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocate the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.
Provides that only residential properties and new or rehabilitated residential affordable housing units would be subject to the tax under § 44-5-13.1 relating to taxation of low-income housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allocate $2,000,000 in state funds to the Elisha Project, a nonprofit organization based in Pawtucket that works to reduce food insecurity across Rhode Island and the Blackstone Valley. The funding is intended to support the group's daily operations, which include providing food and essential necessities to families, children, veterans, and other community members in need. The legislation authorizes the state controller to release these funds from the general treasury once properly verified requests are submitted. This measure directly impacts the Elisha Project by providing financial resources to continue its community safety net services during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to give $450,000 to Higher Ground International, a nonprofit in Rhode Island, to help finish renovations on its new headquarters in Providence. The funds are intended as a one-time contribution to complete the initial phase of building improvements at the location on Ninigret Avenue. While the bill notes that the facility plans to offer community services like food assistance and cultural events, the legislation itself only authorizes the specific payment for construction costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates state law to include Washington's Birthday as an official holiday for the purposes of the "work on holidays and Sundays" statute. The change directly affects employers and employees covered under this specific law, which generally requires businesses to close on designated holidays unless they can prove economic necessity. Under the existing rules, companies must demonstrate specific hardships, such as continuous production needs or industry standards, to justify operating on holidays like New Year's Day or Christmas. By adding Washington's Birthday to the list of recognized holidays, the legislation ensures that businesses must follow the same closure requirements or provide justification for working on this date as they do for other statutory holidays. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Establishes a Rhode Island creative futures fund in the amount of eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000).
Updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments and includes the right to clean and sanitary conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a $750,000 state appropriation to support the operations of WaterFire Providence, an independent nonprofit arts organization that hosts annual bonfire events on downtown rivers. The funding is intended to help sustain the organization's activities, which include music, performances, and community gatherings that draw nearly one million visitors each year. By providing this financial assistance, the state aims to maintain a popular attraction that contributes to local tourism, generates tax revenue, and supports hundreds of jobs. The resolution directs the state controller to release these funds from the general treasury for the 2024-2025 fiscal year upon receipt of proper documentation.
