Rep. Joe Shekarchi

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating March 1-5, 2026, as "Peace Corps Week" in Rhode Island. It symbolically honors the Peace Corps' history and contributions, recognizing over 240,000 volunteers who have served in 140+ countries since 1960. The resolution has no policy impact or financial requirements; it merely proclaims the week of recognition and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Peace Corps CEO. It directly affects the Peace Corps organization and its volunteers by formally acknowledging their work at the state level. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impact specific individuals or groups beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution expressing condolences for Carol Lee Connell, a longtime Riverside resident and mother of Representative William Connell. The resolution formally extends the House's deepest sympathy to her family members (including her children William Connell, Nancy Rippel, and Michael Connell) and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to them. It does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations. The resolution serves as a symbolic tribute to her life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution honoring former Warwick City Councilwoman Helen Stasia Taylor, who passed away. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to her family and recognizes her legacy as a public servant, entrepreneur (owner of businesses like Pizza Villa and Lily’s + Lace), and community advocate. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her children, Sheri Conley and Kelly Taylor. As a commemorative measure with no policy changes, it does not affect legislation or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 17, 2026, as "The Year of the Horse" Lunar New Year celebration. It directly acknowledges the significance of this cultural event for Rhode Island's Asian community and expresses appreciation for their contributions to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply formally recognizes the occasion and directs the Secretary of State to share a certified copy with the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans. It does not create new laws or affect any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 7709) passed by the Rhode Island House on February 11, 2026. It formally congratulates and thanks Dr. Christopher A. Campagnari, MD, for his 32 years of service as a family medicine physician at Wood River Health in Hope Valley, including his leadership as Medical Director from 1998 to 2018. The resolution recognizes his work implementing electronic health records, achieving Patient-Centered Medical Home designation, and his roles at Brown University and Westerly Hospital. It has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation for his retirement.

Maddy summaryHR 7713 is a Rhode Island House resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Mary Magavern Worrell, a former teacher, landscape architect, and community volunteer known for her work with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and the Southside Community Land Trust. Passed on February 11, 2026, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to her husband, Rick Worrell, and family. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors her life and contributions to Providence and Rhode Island. The resolution is purely commemorative and symbolic.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7711) formally congratulates the Berntson family on the 50th anniversary of Diamond Hill Vineyards in Cumberland, Rhode Island. It directly affects the Berntson family, the founders and current owners of the family-run vineyard. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 11, 2026, expresses legislative recognition of the vineyard’s history since its founding in 1976 and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the family. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally designates February 20, 2026, as "National Caregivers Day" within Rhode Island to recognize caregivers. The resolution cites the national observance established by PAHHHA and highlights statistics about family caregivers' time commitments, but creates no new laws or funding. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to PAHHHA.

Maddy summaryHB 7408 authorizes Rhode Island to set aside up to $18 million in a debt service reserve fund to support financing for the sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island, Inc. The bill creates a financial backup fund to enhance the creditworthiness of bonds used to purchase the hospitals, ensuring the sale process can proceed without state debt obligations. This funding mechanism directly supports the transfer of ownership to CharterCARE while preserving hospital services and approximately 2,700 jobs. The state’s contribution is limited to the reserve fund, with no obligation to replenish it, and any remaining funds would revert to the state budget. The bill focuses on enabling the hospital sale through bond financing, not altering hospital operations or patient care.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2026, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211's 24/7 service connecting residents to health, housing, food, and emergency resources. It recognizes United Way 211's role since 2007 in handling nearly 100,000 requests in 2025 and supporting public emergencies. The resolution is symbolic - no new policies or funding are created - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to United Way and partners. It directly honors United Way 211 and its community collaborators, not specific individuals or groups.