Rep. Joseph McNamara

Maddy summaryHB 7459 would change the retirement eligibility rule for public school teachers from a "Rule of 95" to a "Rule of 93." Under the current rule, teachers must reach an age plus years of service totaling 95 to retire early; this bill lowers that threshold to 93. The change would allow eligible teachers to retire sooner if their age plus years of service equals 93 instead of 95. This directly affects teachers covered under the state's existing retirement statutes for public education employees.

Effective January 1, 2028, Increases the hourly minimum wage in accordance with the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Region for the previous four (4) fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Raymond J. Turbitt, a Rhode Island educator and community member who taught mathematics for many years and was involved in marine archaeology. It formally mourns his passing and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Judith "Sharon" Turbitt. The resolution has no policy provisions or effects on laws or regulations. It is a purely ceremonial gesture honoring Turbitt's life and contributions.

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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 House Resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Rhode Island, commemorating the 81st anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation. It encourages Rhode Island citizens to engage in educational activities and reflect on the Holocaust's history and lessons. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Holocaust museums and community organizations in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a symbolic commitment to remembering Holocaust victims and combating antisemitism.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 7326) passed by the Rhode Island House on January 27, 2026. It formally honors Warwick Police Captain Charles Boisseau for his actions on July 5, 2025, when he rescued a Cranston family from a house fire. The resolution expresses the House's gratitude and thanks him for saving the family's lives. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or new legal requirements.

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 summaryHB 7087 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 of the service fee covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would replace standard registration plates and display "Governor Roger Williams" along with the state seal, available to any registered vehicle owner who chooses to purchase it. This is a commemorative plate with no substantive policy changes beyond the fee structure.

Maddy summaryHB 7086 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state music. This ceremonial bill does not impose any new regulations, taxes, or obligations on residents or businesses - it solely establishes a symbolic recognition of the genre. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, adding this designation to the state's official emblems. It affects no individuals or entities directly, as it is purely a cultural and symbolic measure.