Rep. Chris Paplauskas

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally congratulates Colonel Michael Lima on his appointment as the 15th Police Chief of Warwick, Rhode Island. It highlights his 21-year career with the Warwick Police Department, his educational background, and his commitment to community engagement and improved mental health resources for officers. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 27, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Chief Lima. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not enact any new policy or affect legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 27, 2026, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day" to highlight rising food insecurity in the state. It does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes the issue through a symbolic declaration. The resolution references current data showing 34% of Rhode Island households face food insecurity, with higher rates among communities of color. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Governor, serving only as a ceremonial observance.

Establishes the Rhode Island Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny Act which would require review and approval of rules with implementation and compliance costs of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more over a two-year period.

Removes the cap on post-retirement employment for teaching administrator or staff member who has retired under the provisions of title 16, 36 or 35 of the general laws.

Establishes the rural housing development revolving fund for the purpose of providing loans to support low- and moderate-income housing development projects in rural areas.

Require the director of any state agency with more than five million dollars ($5,000,000) in contracted services to conduct a review of said services and to provide a two percent (2%) reduction in said expenditures over five years.

Maddy summaryHR 7262 is a ceremonial House resolution honoring Kathleen B. Jackson, the Rhode Island General Assembly's Human Resources Administrator, upon her retirement after 15 years of service (2011-2025). The resolution formally recognizes her "talents, diligence, and patience" in managing the Assembly’s workforce and expresses gratitude for her contributions to the State House staff. It includes personal details about her family and hobbies but contains no policy provisions or legislative changes. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect laws, budgets, or any group of people beyond expressing the House’s appreciation. The resolution was passed by the House on January 22, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to deliver a certified copy to Ms. Jackson.

Amends and increase the membership of the commission to address flooding of the Pawtuxet River from eleven (11) to thirteen (13), and would extend the reporting date from March 2, 2026, to March 5, 2027, and expire on June 2, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a law), designating January 18-24, 2026, as "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week" in Rhode Island. It honors CRNAs for their 150+ years of providing anesthesia care, particularly in rural areas and military settings, and recognizes their role during the pandemic. The resolution formally declares this week of recognition and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Nurse Anesthetists (RIANA). It does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 7061) expressing condolences for Arthur Armand Coia, a former Laborers International Union (LIUNA) leader and Providence attorney. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, following his passing. It has no policy impact or legislative effect - it is a non-binding expression of respect for his life and legacy. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island House on January 13, 2026.