Sen. Brian Thompson

Maddy summarySB 389 amends existing law regarding the establishment of charter public schools. This bill prohibits the approval of any new application for a network charter school. It also prevents the expansion of an existing charter school if that expansion would create a network charter school. This directly impacts entities that might seek to establish or grow this specific type of charter school within the public education system.

Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.

Increases the LLC organization fee to $500. Exempts the LLC from filing an annual tax return, paying the minimum tax and obtaining a letter of good standing from the division of taxation in order to dissolve.

Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Rhode Island Tax Amnesty Act of 2017, establishes a program for taxpayers with overdue taxes. It authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes. To qualify, taxpayers must pay their full outstanding tax amount during a one-week tax amnesty period, which the tax administrator will determine for each fiscal year.

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

Maddy summarySB 83 removes an existing rule that allowed certain lenders to operate without a license if they made fewer than six loans within a twelve-month period. This change means that any person or entity making loans, regardless of volume below six per year, will now be required to obtain a lender's license. The bill amends Section 19-14.1-10 of the General Laws, affecting those who lend money in the state.

Maddy summarySB 914 removes the registration fee and plate transfer charge for special motor vehicle plates issued to recipients of the United States Army Distinguished Service Cross medal. Previously, these individuals were required to pay these fees for their Distinguished Service Cross plates. The bill ensures that applicants, including surviving spouses who receive the plate, will no longer incur these costs. This change is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Exempts certain cities and towns whose communities exceed the low and moderate income housing threshold from the tax of the previous year's gross scheduled rental income.

Requires persons convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test, to have an ignition interlock system installed in vehicle as part of sentence and to pay an assessment to pay for the systems for indigent defendants.