Rep. Joe Shekarchi

Maddy summaryHB 8000 requires local agencies to provide at least 15 days' written notice to people living in outdoor encampments on public property before removing or relocating them. This applies to homeless individuals and their belongings in temporary shelters, directly affecting those residing in such encampments. Exceptions to the notice requirement include immediate public safety risks (like active construction sites, environmental hazards, or infrastructure repairs). The bill mandates agencies also notify local homelessness outreach services when providing notice, unless one of the five safety exceptions applies. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote road safety and educate the public about sharing the road with motorcyclists. The resolution highlights statistics on motorcycle accidents and encourages all drivers to avoid distracted driving and give motorcycles ample space. It does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic proclamation to raise awareness among motorists and riders.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as 'National Police Week' in Rhode Island to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize the sacrifices made by police and other officers. The House of Representatives passed the measure, and the Secretary of State is authorized to send copies of the resolution to relevant police organizations and associations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 6th through May 12th, 2026, as National Nurses Week in the State of Rhode Island to honor the profession. It recognizes the critical role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of an aging population and the need for more qualified staff. The resolution also urges all residents to celebrate nurses' contributions throughout the year, not just during this specific week. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.

Provides a definition for "Zero-emission resource" includes nuclear energy resources and large-scale hydro electric facilities and provides that such resources may be used to meet certain clean energy compliance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 7, 2026, as Childcare Awareness Day in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of quality early childhood care. The resolution formally recognizes the dedication of childcare providers and the critical role they play in children's development and the state's economy. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to key child care organizations and legislative commissions. The measure is a ceremonial observance that does not create new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 3-9, 2026, as Composting Awareness Week in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of composting, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and improving soil health. The resolution encourages the Governor and the Department of Environmental Management to hold related activities and invites all Rhode Islanders to participate in composting efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as 'Eyeglass Recycling Month' in Rhode Island to promote awareness of vision health and environmental responsibility. It encourages residents to donate used eyeglasses to local Lions Clubs and community collection sites, which then contribute to a global initiative that recycles usable frames for distribution to underserved populations worldwide. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Rhode Island. It directly affects correctional staff working for the state's Department of Corrections and the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers. The resolution serves to honor their service and raise awareness of the duties and sacrifices they make in safeguarding citizens. The Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of this recognition to the relevant department director and union president.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that officially designates May 2026 as Older Americans Month within the State of Rhode Island. It directly affects the state's recognition of older adults by authorizing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. The text highlights the contributions of seniors and notes the historical role of Congressman John Fogarty in establishing federal support for older Americans, but it does not create new laws or funding. The measure serves as a commemorative proclamation rather than a substantive policy change.