Rep. Chris Blazejewski

Maddy summaryHR 7713 is a Rhode Island House resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Mary Magavern Worrell, a former teacher, landscape architect, and community volunteer known for her work with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and the Southside Community Land Trust. Passed on February 11, 2026, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to her husband, Rick Worrell, and family. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors her life and contributions to Providence and Rhode Island. The resolution is purely commemorative and symbolic.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7711) formally congratulates the Berntson family on the 50th anniversary of Diamond Hill Vineyards in Cumberland, Rhode Island. It directly affects the Berntson family, the founders and current owners of the family-run vineyard. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026, expresses legislative recognition of the vineyard’s history since its founding in 1976 and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the family. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally designates February 20, 2026, as "National Caregivers Day" within Rhode Island to recognize caregivers. The resolution cites the national observance established by PAHHHA and highlights statistics about family caregivers' time commitments, but creates no new laws or funding. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to PAHHHA.

Maddy summaryHB 7408 authorizes Rhode Island to set aside up to $18 million in a debt service reserve fund to support financing for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island, Inc. The bill creates a financial backup fund to enhance the creditworthiness of bonds used to purchase the hospitals, ensuring the sale process can proceed without state debt obligations. This funding mechanism directly supports the transfer of ownership to CharterCARE while preserving hospital services and approximately 2,700 jobs. The state’s contribution is limited to the reserve fund, with no obligation to replenish it, and any remaining funds would revert to the state budget. The bill focuses on enabling the hospital sale through bond financing, not altering hospital operations or patient care.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's 24/7 service connecting residents to health, housing, food, and emergency resources. It recognizes United Way 211's role since 2007 in handling nearly 100,000 requests in 2025 and supporting public emergencies. The resolution is symbolic - no new policies or funding are created - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way and partners. It directly honors United Way 211 and its community collaborators, not specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day" to honor Black soldiers who served in the integrated 1st Rhode Island Regiment during the Revolutionary War (1778-1783). It specifically recognizes their contributions, including their role in the 1778 Battle of Portsmouth where they repelled British forces. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to historical organizations, the Governor, congressional delegation, and relevant groups to promote awareness of this history. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but aims to increase public recognition of Black soldiers' role in the American Revolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally congratulates James Parisi on retiring after 30 years as a lobbyist for the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), which represents over 10,000 educators, health professionals, and state employees. The House expressed appreciation for his work advising lawmakers on education, healthcare, and labor issues, noting his integrity and institutional knowledge. It directs the Secretary of State to send Parisi a certified copy of the resolution. As a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes, it does not affect legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 7-14, 2026, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the impact of congenital heart defects - such as septal defects or hypoplastic left heart syndrome - on newborns and families. The resolution urges Rhode Island citizens to observe the week and acknowledges medical efforts to improve outcomes for affected children. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond raising awareness.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It formally recognizes February 2026 as "National Children's Dental Health Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages all residents to support oral health education and preventive care for children, citing the importance of early dental visits and addressing barriers to access. It has no new requirements or funding; it simply directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Dental Association.

Maddy summaryHR 7511 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to honor Delores (Ravo) Melillo, a Cranston resident who died on January 22, 2026, at age 87. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to her family, highlighting her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime Quill Pen assembler known for her work ethic and love of family gatherings. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her surviving family members, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy impact or direct effect on any community or law.