Rep. Grace Diaz

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the operating rules for the Rhode Island House of Representatives for 2025 and 2026. It establishes procedures for the Speaker's authority (including calling sessions, declaring votes, and managing the calendar), sets the order of daily business (starting with committee reports and ending with adjournment), and defines deadlines for introducing bills. These rules directly govern how House members conduct legislative business, manage votes, and handle committee assignments during the 2025-2026 session.

Maddy summaryHB 5007 adopts the internal rules for the Rhode Island House of Representatives governing sessions during 2025 and 2026. It outlines the Speaker's authority to preside, refer bills, and declare votes; sets daily session times and voting procedures; establishes deadlines for bill introductions (February 15-16 annually); and permits secure electronic signatures for members. The bill directly affects House members, staff, and committee operations by standardizing procedural rules, but does not change public policy or impact constituents. This is a routine procedural measure to govern legislative workflow.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It raises public and professional awareness about maternal health issues, referencing state efforts to address preventable deaths, disparities (particularly for Black mothers), and initiatives like the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing state work to improve maternal health outcomes. It was passed by the House on January 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution honoring Dave Pertuso, the retiring Chief Administrative Officer of Roger Williams Park Zoo (managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society), after 31 years of service. It formally thanks him for his leadership in the zoo's financial management, conservation efforts, and role as a respected leader. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the House's gratitude and transmits a certified copy to Pertuso upon his retirement. It does not create new laws or affect any specific policies or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryHR 5095 is a procedural House Resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Cedric Paul Huntley, a former Executive Director of the Nonviolence Institute and community leader in Providence, Rhode Island. It formally extends the House's deepest condolences to his family, including his wife Anika Kimble-Huntley and surviving relatives. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his family, commemorating his work in education, community service, and violence prevention. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create any new policies or affect any laws.

Maddy summaryHR 5059 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It recognizes his civil rights legacy and efforts to advance equality, without creating new laws or affecting any specific group. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to state officials, Rhode Island's congressional delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact beyond acknowledging Dr. King's historical significance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5065) expressing condolences for Sister Joan Rokicki, RSM, a long-time social justice advocate and Sister of Mercy. It honors her 40-year ministry at McAuley House in Providence, where she supported vulnerable communities through food, counseling, and enrichment programs. The resolution formally conveys the House's deepest condolences to her family and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to them. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5004) expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of Bishop Emeritus Louis E. Gelineau, the former Bishop of Providence. It honors his 25-year service as Bishop, his establishment of the permanent diaconate, his outreach initiatives like the Providence-Haiti project, and his recognition as "The People’s Bishop." The resolution formally declares the House's deepest condolences and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Diocese of Providence. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Amends works program to provide eligibility for benefits to pregnant persons from onset of pregnancy including lawful permanent residents, increases monthly cash benefits, disallows termination of benefits for failure to work, limits monetary sanctions.

Requires an electric distribution company to develop and act pursuant to a vegetation management plan approved by the DPUC to carry out vegetation management activities on and around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way.