Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7015) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 8, 2026. It formally expresses condolences to the family of Lawrence Ferguson, a former Rhode Island State Representative (1985-2000) and longtime educator. The resolution sends condolences specifically to his wife Francine Ferguson and their children Alyssa, Colin, and Jonathan Ferguson. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents, serving only as a symbolic tribute to his life and service.
Rep. Chris Blazejewski
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of former state representative Joseph A. Capineri (1957-1980), who served District 81 in Pawtucket for 24 years. It details his career as a lawyer, community involvement, and family, including his son, Associate Justice Stephen J. Capineri, and daughter Lisa Millar. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his surviving children. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Alan Geoffrey Hassenfeld, former CEO of Hasbro Toys, following his passing. It does not create any new laws or affect policies; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of respect. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to his family, specifically directing certified copies to his widow (Vivien Maria Hassenfeld) and sister (Ellen Block). No concrete policy changes or mechanisms are involved - this is purely a commemorative act with no legislative impact.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 7018), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of former Governor Edward D. DiPrete, who served from 1985 to 1991. The resolution formally honors his life, career, and service to Rhode Island, including his work on education, infrastructure, and environmental protections. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. As a ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Judge Frank Caprio, a respected jurist and community figure from Providence. The resolution honors his life, career, family, and contributions - including his popular TV show and community work - and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. No policy changes or financial provisions are included.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Rhode Island state representative Edward L. Dambruch following his passing. The resolution expresses the House of Representatives' deepest condolences to his widow, Joan Dambruch, and commemorates his service in the Rhode Island House of Representatives (1980-1984), education career, and community contributions. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy changes or direct effects on constituents.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in Rhode Island. It formally honors law enforcement officers for their service and urges citizens to show appreciation through actions like wearing blue clothing, writing thank-you notes, or participating in the annual Blue Blood Drive (January 1-14). The resolution has no binding policy changes and is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to share it with the Rhode Island Fraternal Order of Police.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 2026 as "Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It directly affects Rhode Island firefighters and the public by formally recognizing the heightened cancer risks they face, citing CDC/NIOSH data showing firefighters have up to 2 times higher risk for certain cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer compared to the general population. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and support ongoing efforts by organizations like the IAFF and Firefighter Support Network to address firefighter cancer through education and prevention. It does not create new laws, funding, or mandates.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (HR 7001) passed on January 6, 2026, expressing condolences for the December 13, 2025, Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured eleven. It formally honors Rhode Island law enforcement (including Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez), firefighters (led by Fire Chief Derek Silva), medical personnel at Rhode Island Hospital, Mayor Brett Smiley, and Attorney General Peter Neronha for their response to the tragedy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely provides ceremonial recognition through a written expression of gratitude and support to the named officials and first responders.
Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7000) commemorates Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, two Brown University students killed in a December 13, 2025, shooting, and acknowledges nine injured students. It formally honors their memory, offers condolences to their families, condemns the violence, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to their families. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions; it is a commemorative statement.