Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr. for his distinguished service to the people of Rhode Island and specifically thanks him for his work on behalf of the citizens of Warwick. The document highlights his legislative achievements, which include sponsoring laws to address physician shortages, modernize banking taxes, support affordable housing, and protect seniors from financial exploitation. It also notes his advocacy for animal welfare, small business development, and public safety measures such as suicide barriers on bay bridges. Finally, the resolution extends its best wishes for his announced campaign for Attorney General and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the honor to Representative Solomon.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 7083 would allow the city of Cranston to create a dedicated housing division within its municipal court. This division would handle cases involving violations of local housing rules, including zoning, minimum housing standards, building codes, and property maintenance regulations. The housing division could impose fines up to $500 or 30 days in jail for these violations and would hear cases separately from other municipal court matters. Appeals from housing division decisions would go to the district court, not the superior court. This change directly affects Cranston residents and property owners who face housing code enforcement actions.
Amends sections of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act relative to proof of residency terminology, and amends the definition of applicant and provides a new process for the approval and certification for social equity and cannabis retail sales licenses.
Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.
Maddy summaryHB 7218 creates the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent entity separate from Providence city government and the state, to maintain the Crook Point Bascule Bridge and related property. The authority will be governed by a 3-member board appointed by the mayor (with city council approval), with members serving five-year terms and no compensation. Key provisions include the authority’s power to manage finances, enter contracts, borrow funds, and handle maintenance without burdening city or state budgets or taxes. The bill ensures the bridge’s upkeep is managed through a dedicated body, with annual financial reports submitted to city officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that recognizes World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026, and honors the work of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. It acknowledges the organization's long history of providing services such as legal aid, English classes, and employment support to refugees and immigrants in the state. The resolution also highlights the economic contributions of refugees to Rhode Island's communities and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to the organization's CEO.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates June 4, 2026, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island to honor Cox Communications for its charitable contributions. The measure acknowledges the company's history of funding STEM and community programs through Cox Charities and lists specific local organizations that received grants in 2026. It does not alter any laws or policies but serves to publicly recognize the broadband provider's philanthropic efforts in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to Cox Communications officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Family Caregivers Support Act of 2013, aims to protect employees who care for family members from discrimination in the workplace. It makes it illegal for employers to refuse to hire someone, fire them, or penalize them in any way because of their caregiving duties. The law also requires employers to consider requests for flexible schedules or remote work to handle medical appointments and therapy, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the business. Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees have some flexibility if they can prove that meeting these requests would be too burdensome. If a caregiver believes their rights were violated, the Human Rights Commission is authorized to investigate and order remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates May 10, 2026, as "Lupus Day" in Rhode Island to raise public awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The bill highlights the need for better understanding of the disease's symptoms and the importance of specialized medical care for patients, particularly women between the ages of 15 and 45. Additionally, the resolution encourages charitable donations to the Lupus Foundation of America and related organizations to support research and patient services. The House of Representatives has passed this measure to formally recognize the day and transmit the proclamation to the foundation.
Maddy summaryHB 8006 establishes a special 8% property tax rate for qualifying affordable housing in Rhode Island, instead of standard local tax rates. To qualify, properties must have legal agreements restricting rents to 30% of tenant income for households at or below 80% of area median income (for 40% of units) or 60% AMI (for 30% of units). Conversions of existing non-residential buildings to housing qualify until 2037, with tax rates gradually increasing from 8% to 12% over 30 years. This directly affects property owners of qualifying affordable housing and local governments setting tax policies.