Rep. David Bennett

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 21, 2025, as "National Caregivers Day" in Rhode Island. It symbolically recognizes caregivers - both professional (like home health aides) and family members - who provide unpaid care to adults or children, citing statistics about their significant time commitments. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it merely proclaims a date for acknowledgment. The House passed it on February 25, 2025, and the Secretary of State will send a certified copy to the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA).

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Ann D. McCaffrey, a former Warwick public school special education teacher and community member. The bill formally extends the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest sympathy to her family, including her children (who hold political ties) and grandchildren. It does not create any new laws or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal memorial gesture. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House on February 25, 2025.

Requires all state licensed healthcare facilities to convert the powering of their operations from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. DOH promulgates rules and regulations to implement the requirements.

Amends the definition of public works so that it would include any public works projects performed for any city or town or quasi-municipal entity and the state and any quasi-state entity.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Maddy summaryHR 5412 is a House resolution congratulating Cranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist on his induction into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. The resolution recognizes his 35-year law enforcement career with the Rhode Island State Police and Cranston Police Department, highlighting his leadership in crime investigations, development of the state’s Fusion Center, and community safety initiatives. It formally thanks him for protecting Rhode Island residents and property throughout his service. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

Amends current law on controlled substances to permit psilocybin to be cultivated within a person's residence for personal use and contingent on the US FDA's program, mandate that RI department of health establish rules regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5217, the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act, would prohibit atmospheric experiments that release pollutants like PFAS ("forever chemicals"), including cloud seeding, weather modification, and solar radiation management, as these are stated to threaten public health and the environment. The bill defines "atmospheric activity" broadly to cover any experiment by entities - such as government agencies, corporations, or AI systems - that releases pollutants into the air. It establishes a regulatory process to enforce this ban, targeting specific practices like stratospheric aerosol injection and cloud seeding. The law aims to prevent the release of pollutants linked to health risks, drought, and environmental harm, as outlined in its legislative intent.

Creates the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Maddy summaryHB 5191 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state's official music. This is a symbolic, procedural bill with no direct policy impact on residents, government operations, or regulations. It amends the state's "State Emblems" section to include this musical genre, following standard ceremonial designations like state flowers or songs. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage but is currently under review by the committee.