Sen. Frank Ciccone

Maddy summarySenate Bill 31 (SB 31) proposes to amend current sales and use tax laws by creating a specific exemption. The bill exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks weighing 14,000 pounds or less from sales and use tax. This means that when an individual or business trades in an eligible pickup truck, the value of that trade-in will not be included in the taxable amount for their new vehicle purchase. This change would directly affect consumers trading in these specific types of pickup trucks, potentially lowering the total sales tax paid on their new vehicle.

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand one hundred pounds (8,100 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

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.

Exempts from sales tax the trade-in values of motorcycles as well the proceeds received as a result of an unrecovered stolen or total loss of a motorcycle.

Amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to set the regionalization bonus at 2% of the state's share of foundation education aid for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, and for each year thereafter.

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.

Maddy summarySR 49 is a joint resolution proposing to allocate $250,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding would be directed to the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI (SUMHLC). The resolution aims to support SUMHLC's mission of promoting a coordinated system of community-based mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services. This appropriation is intended to help address the high rates of addiction and the need for readily available services in Rhode Island.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 34 proposes to eliminate the sales tax on certain services. Specifically, it removes the sales tax requirement for taxi services and pet care services. This change means that individuals who use these services would no longer pay sales tax on them. It also directly affects businesses providing taxi and pet care services by altering their sales tax collection and remittance obligations.

Establishes a seven (7) member public-private partnership infrastructure oversight commission to approve all requests for proposals submitted for public-private partnership construction of qualified facilities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 890 (SB 890) proposes to change how excess electricity generated by renewable energy systems is valued. Specifically, it would alter the credit for surplus renewable energy fed back into the grid from its current rate to a wholesale rate. This change directly affects individuals, businesses, and other entities that generate more renewable electricity than they use. The bill also updates definitions related to net metering, including "community remote net-metering systems" and various "eligible credit recipients" such as low- or moderate-income housing, educational institutions, and commercial customers.