Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summarySB 2057, known as the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, amends state law to provide ongoing financial support for specific school programs and districts. The bill establishes a permanent two percent bonus for regionalized school districts and creates a stabilization fund to assist the Central Falls, Davies, and Met Center areas with high education costs. Additionally, it directs state funding toward special education expenses, career and technical education initiatives, pre-kindergarten access, and transportation for students attending non-public or regional schools. The legislation also allocates extra resources for English learners based on a specific per-pupil factor. These changes aim to ensure equitable funding distribution and address unique financial challenges faced by various school districts and student populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to set a statewide cap of 12% per year on the interest or penalties that cities and towns can charge on unpaid local taxes. Currently, local municipalities have the authority to set these rates up to 18%, but this legislation would lower that maximum limit for most towns while keeping the existing 12% cap for the city of Cranston. The change aims to standardize the maximum cost of late payments across the state by amending the General Laws regarding local tax assessments.

Allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) of taxable pension and/or annuity income for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Effective July 1, 2024, entitles environmental police officers to the benefits provided by chapter 45-21.2 entitled "Optional retirement for members of police force and firefighters."

Allows a modification to federal adjusted gross income of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) of social security income for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 2051 amends the state sales and use tax code to exempt reusable bags from taxation. This change directly affects consumers who purchase these bags and retailers who sell them. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to the list of items exempt from sales tax. It does not alter any other existing tax exemptions or create new tax liabilities.

Increases the state earned-income credit as of January 1, 2025 to seventeen percent (17%) of the federal earned-income credit, not to exceed the amount of state income tax.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Rhode Island. The bill honors the historical and cultural contributions of these communities to the state, citing their long-standing presence and achievements in fields such as education, healthcare, and the military. It encourages all Rhode Islanders to participate in programs and activities that celebrate this heritage during the month. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to individuals who have helped promote this history and culture.

Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally welcomes Boys Town New England to the Rhode Island State House on May 23, 2024, and thanks the organization for its work supporting children and families. The bill recognizes the organization's history and current services, which include residential care, foster care initiatives, and community-based programs that have helped over 20,000 individuals in the past year. It also highlights the organization's high financial rating from Charity Navigator and its behavioral intervention model aimed at helping students succeed. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the organization's president and executive director.