Rep. Joseph McNamara

Maddy summaryHB 5141 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 for this plate would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would display "Gov. Roger Williams" and the state seal, replacing the vehicle's standard license plates. This commemorative plate is optional and would not alter standard registration requirements or fees for regular plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5288) is a symbolic resolution designating February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It honors school counselors' roles in supporting students' academic, career, and personal development. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president. It has no legal effect but formally recognizes the contributions of school counselors within the state.

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

Maddy summaryHB 5071 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "public official" under threats and extortion statutes. It specifically adds state government caseworkers (social workers who help individuals access government resources) and investigators to the list of protected individuals. This means threatening these workers because of their job duties would now be a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The bill does not create new penalties but extends existing legal protections to these specific state employees. The change takes effect upon passage.

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 28, 2025. It expresses condolences to the family of Anthony V. Arico, a former Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation and longtime public servant. The resolution formally recognizes his 30-year career in state government, military service, and decades of community involvement in Barrington. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Joan G. Arico. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 23, 2025, expresses the House's deepest condolences to the family of Alan Shawn Feinstein following his passing. It honors his legacy as a philanthropist and entrepreneur who founded the Feinstein Foundation, supported education, and raised over $2.5 billion through the "Feinstein Challenge" to combat hunger. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his wife, Pratarnporn Feinstein, and daughter, Leila Feinstein. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact but serves as a formal tribute to his contributions to Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Warren D. Cole. It honors his life, noting his military service, family, community involvement (including the RI Greyhound Owner's Association and Asbury United Methodist Church), and personal achievements. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his fiancé, Lori Brierly, and sister, Nancy Marion. As a procedural resolution, it does not create policy or affect any group beyond the named individuals.

Permit school districts to use release days for professional development; provided that, instruction time meets the yearly requirement of one thousand eighty (1,080) school hours.

Implements a grant program to fund public or private partnerships that provide opportunities for healthcare paraprofessionals to pursue higher education degrees and health professional licensure.