Rep. Bob Phillips

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution reaffirms the friendship between Rhode Island and Taiwan while encouraging stronger bilateral relations. The bill urges the state government to promote trade by establishing a Taiwan Caucus in the legislature, potentially opening a trade office in Taiwan, and signing an economic cooperation agreement. It also supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the second week of May 2026 as "Lung Cancer Action Week" throughout Rhode Island to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging educational activities focused on early detection methods, such as low-dose CT scans, and highlighting risks for specific groups like veterans and non-smokers. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote public understanding of the disease. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Lung Association.

Maddy summaryHB 7695 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the establishment of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects developers and operators of data centers that meet specific criteria defined in the bill. The key mechanism is granting these tax exemptions for eligible costs related to constructing or operating qualifying facilities, including equipment and infrastructure. This policy change reduces financial barriers for data center projects by lowering their operational tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 7805 establishes Rhode Island's current personal income tax structure, applying to all taxpayers with income in the state (including residents, nonresidents, estates, and trusts). It sets progressive tax rates ranging from 3.75% to 9.90% based on filing status and income levels, with specific brackets adjusted annually for inflation. The bill also includes a cap on capital gains tax rates and provisions for calculating alternative minimum tax. These changes directly affect all Rhode Island taxpayers who file state income tax returns.

Maddy summaryHB 7397 repeals the corporation minimum tax, a flat fee that small businesses had to pay regardless of profits. This change directly affects small businesses operating in the state that previously owed this minimum tax. The bill removes the requirement for these businesses to pay the minimum tax, simplifying their tax obligations under the current business corporation tax code.

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 summaryHB 7043 requires liquor license applicants in Westerly to obtain commercial liability insurance covering liquor liability, general liability, and property damage in a minimum amount of $300,000 (or higher if set by town ordinance). This affects businesses seeking retail liquor licenses in Westerly, mandating they provide proof of insurance that names the town as an additional insured and prohibits cancellation without prior notice. The bill adds specific "liquor liability" coverage to Westerly’s existing insurance requirements, which differ from similar rules in Burrillville and North Providence. The law would take effect upon passage but remains pending before the committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as 'Eyeglass Recycling Month' in Rhode Island to promote awareness of vision health and environmental responsibility. It encourages residents to donate used eyeglasses to local Lions Clubs and community collection sites, which then contribute to a global initiative that recycles usable frames for distribution to underserved populations worldwide. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International.

Expands the patient-centered medical home program to all Medicaid-accepting independent primary care practices and nurse practitioners and increases reimbursement rates to match Massachusetts and Connecticut rates.

Provides for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.