Rep. Joe Shekarchi

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the death of Michael D. Zarum, a lifelong Warwick resident who passed away in a pedestrian accident. The resolution acknowledges the circumstances of his death, noting that police found no evidence of speeding, impairment, or distracted driving as contributing factors. It highlights Zarum's community contributions, including his environmental advocacy work and civic engagement, while formally offering sympathy to his family. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Zarum's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in Rhode Island, raising public awareness about inherited blood clotting conditions like hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease. The resolution recognizes the national observance established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and builds on earlier state-level acknowledgments of these health conditions. By directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the New England Hemophilia Association, the bill facilitates coordination with advocacy groups to promote understanding of bleeding disorders and their impact on approximately 33,000 individuals with hemophilia and 3.2 million with Von Willebrand Disease.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as "Arts in the Schools Month" in Rhode Island to recognize and celebrate the importance of arts education in schools. It directly affects students, arts educators, artists, and school administrators by encouraging the state to acknowledge their contributions to student engagement and learning. The resolution highlights how arts education supports skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and cultural competency while referencing existing state frameworks and grant programs that promote arts instruction. The House of Representatives passed this symbolic measure to urge citizens to observe the month and appreciate the efforts of those working to provide arts access to young people.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca, who recently passed away. It directly affects her family and friends by formally acknowledging her life and contributions to her community. The resolution highlights her roles as a devoted mother, church volunteer, and veteran supporter, and authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to her family. It serves as an official tribute rather than a policy change, recognizing her personal legacy and faith.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for Manuel Pedroso, a 106-year-old Portuguese-American community leader from Rhode Island who passed away. The resolution acknowledges his lifelong contributions, including his work as a welder during World War II, his decades of operating Friends Market in Providence, and his role as a mentor to new Portuguese immigrants. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Pedroso's family, serving as an official tribute to his legacy rather than enacting new policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates the 28th Annual "Women in Construction Week" in Rhode Island from March 1-7, 2026. It honors the National Association of Women in Construction Rhode Island Chapter 52 for its long-standing efforts to promote women's employment and advancement in the construction industry. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the organization and encourages state citizens to acknowledge the group's contributions to community development and skilled trades promotion.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Martha M. Farrell, a nurse from Cumberland who died on February 21, 2026. It honors her life by noting her 50-year marriage, her career in nursing across several Massachusetts and Rhode Island hospitals, and her community service including volunteer work and advocacy for marriage equality. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her husband and family as a formal gesture of sympathy from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 84th anniversary of the Seabees, the United States Navy construction forces, on March 5, 2026. It formally congratulates the Seabees for their service and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. The document highlights the Seabees' historical contributions during World War II and subsequent conflicts, recognizing their role in building vital infrastructure under challenging conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote public education about cancer prevention and early detection. The resolution is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology to highlight the importance of regular screenings, which can significantly improve survival rates by identifying the disease when it is most treatable. The House of Representatives passed the measure to formally recognize the month and authorize the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the sponsoring organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences to the O'Loughlin family following the deaths of six-year-old Hudson and eighty-four-year-old Elisabeth O'Loughlin. It does not create new laws or change policy but serves as a formal statement of respect and mourning from the Rhode Island House of Representatives. The resolution also includes a commitment to improve street safety for children and public transportation access for seniors. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the family by the Secretary of State.