Rep. David Bennett

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 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.

Allows school committees to add item(s) not appearing in the published notice to their agendas for the purposes of discussion only and not for the purpose of voting upon the item(s).

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating September 21-27, 2025, as "National Surgical Technologists Week" in Rhode Island. It formally honors surgical technologists for their role in maintaining sterile operating rooms, preparing equipment, and supporting patient safety during surgeries. The resolution urges Rhode Island citizens to recognize these professionals and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Association of Surgical Technologists and Rhode Island’s Department of Health. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive bill. HR 7106 formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the family of Barbara Balch Colt following her passing. The resolution honors her legacy as a longtime community leader, advocate for women's rights and LGBTQ+ equality, and former Warwick City Council member. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her husband and family. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for the late David R. Carlin, Jr., a former Rhode Island State Senate Majority Leader and longtime public servant. It formally honors his life, career in education, and public service, including his roles in the Senate, Newport School Committee, and as a Democratic Party leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

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.