Rep. Nathan Biah

Maddy summaryHB 7702 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax calculation by adding back certain federal tax exclusions to residents' adjusted gross income. It specifically requires adding nonqualified withdrawals from tuition savings programs (e.g., withdrawals not used for education costs) and federal PPP loan forgiveness exceeding $250,000. The bill also allows a deduction of up to $500 ($1,000 for joint filers) for contributions to Rhode Island's tuition savings program, subject to limits like excluding rollovers or non-participant contributions. This directly affects residents using tuition savings accounts or receiving federal stimulus funds, altering their taxable income for state tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 8000 requires local agencies to provide at least 15 days' written notice to people living in outdoor encampments on public property before removing or relocating them. This applies to homeless individuals and their belongings in temporary shelters, directly affecting those residing in such encampments. Exceptions to the notice requirement include immediate public safety risks (like active construction sites, environmental hazards, or infrastructure repairs). The bill mandates agencies also notify local homelessness outreach services when providing notice, unless one of the five safety exceptions applies. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences and honoring the life of Janice Luongo, a prominent Rhode Island advocate who passed away in May 2026. It directly affects Luongo's family, friends, and colleagues by formally acknowledging her contributions to helping people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. The resolution highlights her specific work, including founding the publication "Street Sights" and her dedication to addressing the root causes of housing insecurity. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to Luongo's wife, Annmarie Simoli, and her family.

Amends the school funding formula to ensure that local education authorities do not lose funding due to disruptions in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

Establishes a fund and the operations necessary for a hotline for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. Also instates a monthly surcharge on telephone lines to fund the 988 call center.

Maddy summaryHR 7597 is a procedural joint resolution appropriating $200,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding supports RIBBA's existing services - including business development, entrepreneurship training, and access to capital for Black-owned and minority businesses - without creating new programs or altering eligibility. The resolution authorizes the state controller to disburse funds upon receipt of proper vouchers, consistent with RIBBA's current funding model through grants and public support. It directly affects RIBBA and the businesses it serves in Rhode Island.

Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded public works projects involving glass installation to hire certified workers, with the number of certified employees on each crew increasing from one to 50% over a four-year period starting in 2024. It defines "public works projects" broadly to include any construction or renovation undertaken by the state, municipalities, or schools that exceed specific spending thresholds, such as one million dollars for renovations or five million dollars for new construction. The Department of Labor and Training is tasked with enforcing these rules, which include holding hearings for violations and imposing fines or license revocations for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHR 7811 is a joint resolution appropriating $500,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund Rhode Island's GEAR UP program through Onward We Learn. This funding supports college access and success services for Rhode Island students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, including academic enrichment, career preparation, and scholarships of up to $4,500 annually for four years. The appropriation fulfills Rhode Island’s required dollar-for-dollar match for a federal GEAR UP grant administered by the state’s Office of Postsecondary Commissioner. The funds directly benefit students participating in Onward We Learn’s programs, which have historically provided over $55 million in scholarships to approximately 13,500 students.