Sen. Lou DiPalma

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 111, proposes to discontinue the tax rate reductions provided under the "Jobs Development Act." It would sunset all existing rate reductions from this program by July 1, 2025. Companies that qualified for a rate reduction before July 1, 2015, would be allowed to maintain their existing reduction until the 2025 deadline, provided they continue to meet their obligations. No new credits or additional rate reductions would be authorized under the Jobs Development Act after June 30, 2025.

Increases the Rhode Island earned-income credit to twenty percent (20%) on January 1, 2026. Such credit would not exceed the amount of state income tax.

Removes the age restriction for benefits coverage/requires, after 1/1/26, for policies issued or renewed include coverage for reimbursement for provider services at a rate equal to, or greater than, Medicaid establishments of EOHHS.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 921, proposes to define "qualified data centers" and related terms within the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's governing statutes. It outlines specific "eligible qualified data center costs" that can be incurred from July 1, 2025, covering expenses like development, construction, and equipment for these facilities. The legislation also defines "enterprise information technology equipment" and "colocation tenants" who use these centers. The overall intent is to create a framework for qualified data centers and offer tax exemptions to incentivize their establishment in Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 94 (SB 94) proposes to exempt the retail sale of beer and malt beverages from sales and use tax. If enacted, this bill would mean that consumers purchasing these products would no longer pay sales tax on them. Retailers selling beer and malt beverages would also no longer be required to collect sales tax on these specific items.

Would provide children up to age three (3) with continuous coverage eligibility for RIte Track/RIte Care so that they are not at risk of losing coverage at the yearly redetermination due solely to administrative barriers.

Maddy summarySB 591 renames the new Sakonnet River Bridge, which carries Route 24 between Portsmouth and Tiverton, Rhode Island. The bill officially designates it as the "Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts Sakonnet River Bridge" to honor Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts for his service and sacrifice.

Maddy summaryThis bill primarily revises the geographical boundaries of school bus districts across the state, affecting kindergarten through 12th-grade students attending public, vocational, special education, and nonpublic nonprofit schools. It redefines nine specific regions and clarifies that the school committee of the student's resident city or town is responsible for providing bus transportation within that region. The bill also details state funding for various education programs, including excess costs for special education, career and technical education, and pre-kindergarten. Additionally, it establishes a stabilization fund to provide financial support for Central Falls, the William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School, and the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, covering costs such as transportation and facility maintenance. Students currently receiving transportation under the old district system will transition to the new regions starting July 1, 2029.

Maddy summarySB 39 proposes to amend existing sales and use tax laws. It seeks to exempt scalp hair prostheses or wigs from sales tax. This exemption would apply to individuals who need these items due to hair loss caused by a medical condition.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $15,200,000 to cities and towns to purchase firefighter and rescue personnel protective gear which is PFAS free.