Rep. Joseph Solomon

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution commemorates March 25, 2026, as the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The bill highlights historical ties, including American support during Greece's independence struggle and ongoing strategic partnerships in defense and humanitarian efforts. It formally recognizes Greek-American contributions to Rhode Island and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Greek Orthodox churches and relevant officials. The resolution also expresses support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate's rights and religious freedoms.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes March 31, 2026, as "401Gives Day" in Rhode Island to promote charitable giving to nonprofit organizations. It does not create new laws or change government operations but serves to acknowledge and encourage public support for the state's nonprofit sector through the 401Gives campaign. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to United Way of Rhode Island and other partners involved in the giving initiative. Its primary purpose is to highlight the role of nonprofits in community support and to inspire residents to contribute to these organizations on the designated day.

Maddy summaryHB 7580 requires public agencies to provide electronic public records stored in computer systems at no cost when requested. This applies to all public records maintained in digital formats, eliminating fees for copies or delivery (whether as printouts or electronic files) upon request. The bill directly affects government agencies that manage electronic records and members of the public seeking access to them. It takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change existing requirements for physical records or the 10-business-day response timeframe.

Allows municipalities to request a one-time, state-approved extension to update comprehensive plans if they show active progress, while keeping the existing plan in effect during the extension period.

Maddy summaryHB 8133 imposes a new fee of $0.01 for every 10,000 gallons of treated wastewater discharged by facilities. It directly affects municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants that release effluent into waterways. The bill establishes this specific fee structure to generate revenue for fish and wildlife conservation programs. This is a direct financial obligation on wastewater operators, not a regulatory change to discharge standards. The fee applies to all eligible discharges under the bill's definition.

Maddy summaryHB 7007 allows eligible disabled voters and military/veteran voters (covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. The bill amends election laws to permit secure electronic transmission of ballots through systems meeting NIST cybersecurity standards, with independent security reviews required. It specifically extends the existing electronic ballot process - previously for military voters - to include disabled voters who meet accessibility criteria (e.g., blindness, mobility impairment). Voters submitting ballots electronically will not need to witness or notarize signatures, aligning with federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act. The bill expires December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 27, 2026, as "Good Food Policy Day" in Rhode Island to recognize the annual event organized by the Rhode Island Food Policy Council. The resolution highlights the council's work in promoting local food production, ensuring access to healthy and affordable food, and supporting community health initiatives. It also formally acknowledges the council's leadership team for their efforts in food advocacy and policy development. The House of Representatives authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to the council's executive director.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that celebrates La Francophonie, the French-speaking world, by authorizing a flag-raising ceremony at the Rhode Island State House on March 26, 2026. It directly affects the Alliance Française de Providence, the French consulate, and Rhode Island residents with French heritage or language skills. The resolution formally welcomes these groups to commemorate French culture and language, recognizing the state's 124,000 residents of French descent and the organization's 250-member community. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alliance Française de Providence to acknowledge the partnership. This measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which has included providing emergency shelter, housing solutions, and trauma-informed support to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Vanessa Volz. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the organization's legacy and ongoing work in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7556 requires all campus police officers at Rhode Island state colleges and universities to wear ballistic body armor meeting the same standard as state police. This mandate directly affects campus law enforcement officers who patrol college properties and enforce campus rules. The bill amends existing law to specify that officers must be equipped with this protective gear while performing their duties, without changing their arrest powers or other responsibilities. The requirement would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.