Rhode Island Congressional Bills

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Dec 3, 2024

SRES 920: A resolution designating November 2024 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month".

This resolution designates November 2024 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month" to highlight the issue of homelessness affecting children and youth. It does not create new laws or programs but encourages businesses, governments, schools, and organizations to raise awareness about the causes and solutions for homelessness among this population. The resolution specifically supports existing efforts to assist homeless children and youth, including initiatives focused on prevention and addressing challenges like chronic absenteeism and mental health risks. It urges continued advocacy and resource allocation during November 2024 to support vulnerable young people.

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Dec 3, 2024

S 5418: Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to fund training and support services for families and caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or related dementias. It authorizes grants to health centers, senior centers, area agencies on aging, and other community organizations to provide culturally appropriate services and integrate caregiver support with patient care. The law requires grantees to conduct outreach and ensures at least 10% of funding targets providers serving medically underserved communities. It authorizes funding for fiscal years 2026-2028, focusing on concrete support rather than policy changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Rhode Island · House Dec 3, 2024

HR 10268: U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act

This bill requires the U.S. government to take specific actions to support peace in Sudan, including imposing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and blocking humanitarian aid. It mandates the President to submit reports identifying those responsible for such actions and to impose sanctions against them, with exceptions for humanitarian aid. The bill establishes a Special Presidential Envoy for Sudan to coordinate U.S. diplomatic efforts and requires a comprehensive strategy to support civilian protection, humanitarian access, and inclusive peace processes. It includes specific provisions to empower Sudanese women and youth in peace processes and prohibits the sale of major defense equipment to countries supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Gregory W. Meeks (D) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · House Dec 3, 2024

HR 10273: To direct the Secretary of Defense, in consultation the heads of certain agencies and organizations, to conduct a study on the health effects of indoor residential mold growth in covered military housing, and for other purposes.

HR 10273 directs the Secretary of Defense to study the health effects of indoor mold in military housing, specifically focusing on risks to service members, their families, and children living in covered housing (including unaccompanied and family housing). The study must examine harmful mold types, detection methods, health impacts like respiratory illnesses, and the effect on military readiness. Based on the study, the Department of Defense must develop model standards for preventing, detecting, and remediating mold, including new construction requirements to control moisture and ventilation. The bill also requires training military health professionals on mold-related illnesses and mandates public review of proposed standards.

Joe Courtney (D) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Dec 2, 2024

SRES 918: A resolution designating December 2, 2024, as "World Nuclear Energy Day".

This resolution designates December 2, 2024, as "World Nuclear Energy Day" to commemorate the historical milestones of nuclear energy development, including the first controlled nuclear chain reaction (1942) and the first commercial nuclear power plant (1957). It recognizes nuclear energy's role in providing nearly 20% of U.S. electricity, supporting over 70,000 direct jobs, and contributing to carbon-free power and national security. The resolution encourages public acknowledgment of nuclear energy's contributions to clean power, innovation, and global energy leadership, without creating new laws or affecting specific groups.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Dec 2, 2024

S 5408: Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act

This bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce three commemorative coins honoring Roberto Clemente: $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar clad coins, with specified quantities (50,000 gold, 400,000 silver, 750,000 half-dollars). The coins must feature Clemente’s image and include inscriptions like "Roberto Clemente" and "2027," with surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin respectively) funding the Roberto Clemente Foundation for youth sports, education, and disaster relief. All coins must be sold between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027, at face value plus surcharge, with the foundation audited for fund use. The legislation affects no citizens or policies - it solely creates a commemorative coin program.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Nov 21, 2024

SRES 912: A resolution designating November 2024 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.

This resolution designates November 2024 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and includes specific observances: the first week of November as "National Women's Lung Cancer Awareness Week" and the second Saturday of November as "National Lung Cancer Screening Day." It expresses support for increasing public awareness, education, and research on lung cancer screening, treatment, and disparities - particularly for high-risk groups like veterans, Black men, and non-smokers. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to encourage public health efforts to address low screening rates (currently 3-7% of at-risk individuals) and improve early detection. It directly affects the public, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups by promoting educational activities during this designated period.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Nov 21, 2024

SRES 913: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day.

This resolution supports designating a National Move Over Law Day to raise public awareness about move over laws. These laws require drivers to move over a lane or slow down when passing emergency vehicles or roadside incidents, which helps protect traffic responders (like police and EMTs) who are often struck while working. The resolution urges organizations to promote these laws and educate the public on their importance, following a 2023 report showing 45 responders were killed in roadside collisions. It does not create new legal requirements but focuses on increasing public compliance through awareness.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Nov 21, 2024

SRES 914: A resolution expressing support for the goals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

SRES 914 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for National Adoption Day (November 23, 2024) and National Adoption Month (November 2024). It promotes public awareness of children awaiting adoption in foster care, celebrates adoption families, and encourages Americans to support child safety and permanency. The resolution does not create new policies or alter existing laws; it is a non-binding statement of support. It directly affects public awareness and national recognition of adoption efforts, not specific individuals or programs.

Amy Klobuchar (D) · 36 co-sponsors

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Nov 21, 2024

SRES 902: A resolution relating to the death of Timothy Peter Johnson, former Senator for the State of South Dakota.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.

John Thune (R) · 99 co-sponsors

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Nov 21, 2024

S 5399: Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2024

The Medical Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2024 (S 5399) creates new bankruptcy protections for individuals facing financial hardship due to medical expenses. It defines "medically distressed debtors" as those with significant unpaid medical debt (exceeding $10,000 or 10% of income) linked to their own or a dependent's illness, injury, or care-related job loss. Key provisions include allowing these debtors to exempt up to $250,000 in primary residence value (instead of standard exemptions), waiving certain bankruptcy filing requirements, and expanding student loan hardship exceptions. The bill applies only to bankruptcy cases filed after enactment and requires debtors to attest under penalty of perjury to their medical expenses.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Nov 21, 2024

S 373: RISEE Act of 2023

The RISEE Act of 2023 establishes a National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund to support coastal conservation, infrastructure, and research through grants to states, tribes, and organizations. It creates a new revenue-sharing system for offshore wind projects, directing 37.5% of operating fees to eligible coastal states based on proximity to project sites. States receiving these funds must use them for coastal protection, habitat restoration, or related projects and submit annual reports detailing fund usage to the Department of Interior. The bill also updates reporting requirements for Gulf of Mexico energy revenue funds to ensure transparency about how states use these funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Rhode Island Congressional Bills

Bill results