Sen. Sam Zurier

This resolution would extend the reporting date of the commission to review and provide recommendations for professional and labor management standards for employees of the Providence Public Schools, from January 24, 2024 to June 4, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Rhode Island residents who convert their existing gas-powered vehicles to run on alternative fuels like electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen. The credit covers up to 50% of the equipment and labor costs for the conversion, with a maximum limit of $2,000 for most vehicles and $3,000 for heavier ones, but the amount cannot exceed the taxpayer's total income tax liability. To qualify, the conversion must be completed in the same year the credit is claimed, and sellers of alternative fuel cannot claim the credit for converting their own company vehicles.

Allocates, to the cities and towns of the state, a portion of state income taxes for new employees of not-for-profit healthcare institutions and private educational institutions.

Exempts from taxation the non-commercial real and tangible personal property of Southside Community Land Trust, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island.

Determines reimbursement rate for lost tax revenue base upon the 2023 assessment and rate. Allows for an estimate to be calculate based upon 2022 if 2023 information unavailable. Allows municipality to audit calculation.

Creates new tax on gains from sale or exchange of real property held for short periods of time, 6 years or less, establishes a comprehensive framework to calculate and implement enforcement and provides imprisonment and/or fines for those who evade taxes.

Extends the sunset date of the Rhode Island hope scholarship pilot program act from 2028 to 2030, in order to allow the program to provide eligible students with funding for tuition and mandatory fees for an additional two (2) years.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends teacher certifications for three or five years without fees or penalties for educators who were already certified as of July 1, 2024. It also waives application and exam fees for new teacher certifications during the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Additionally, the law allows teachers with at least three years of experience to earn additional certifications by taking exams or completing coursework, and it directs the state education department to create more flexible pathways for obtaining teacher and administrator credentials.

Brings greater public scrutiny to the public auction sales of real estate in Rhode Island by requiring public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein shall only be done in person, not by electronic or remote procedures.

Creates the Rhode Island baby bond trust to provide investment funds to children born to families with public health insurance or no insurance living in Rhode Island.