Rep. Joe Shekarchi

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences of the Rhode Island House of Representatives on the passing of the Honorable Dominick J. Ruggerio, who served as President of the Rhode Island Senate. It directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to his family and friends.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6223) is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally declares April 2025 as "Autism Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the growing impact of autism (affecting about 1 in 36 children) and acknowledges efforts by individuals and agencies to support autistic residents and their families. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy changes or funding impacts but aims to raise public recognition of autism-related issues.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 2025 as "Organ Donation Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages residents to register as organ, eye, or tissue donors through the Rhode Island Donor Registry - primarily by adding the "Heart" symbol to driver's licenses, IDs, or real IDs at the Division of Motor Vehicles, or online at RegisterMe.org. The resolution highlights that 99% of Rhode Island donors register at the DMV and notes the state's goal of increasing donor registration to 50% of the driving population. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the DMV and New England Donor Services. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a law with new requirements.)

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the importance of helping people with criminal records reintegrate into society, citing barriers like employment discrimination and housing restrictions. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but publicly supports efforts to provide second chances. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with organizations supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 6224 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 6-12, 2025, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the challenges crime victims face - including trauma, economic hardship, and systemic barriers - and commits the state to supporting survivors' rights during this observance. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but honors victims, survivors, and advocates through a formal statement of support. It was passed by the Rhode Island House on April 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's House of Representatives passed HR 6225 to express official condolences to families who lost loved ones in the April 8, 2025, Jet Set Club collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which killed 184 people. The resolution formally extends "deepest condolences" to affected families and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island (DIHACRI). As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Rhode Island, recognizing military-connected children's sacrifices. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Middletown School Committee and Superintendent, acknowledging Middletown's large military-connected student population (15% of enrollment). The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial recognition, following similar national observances. It does not create new programs or obligations for schools or the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the Cambodian New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) and "The Year of the Snake" celebration in Rhode Island, specifically from April 14-16, 2025. It honors the traditions of this three-day holiday, including its cultural significance marking the end of the harvest season and the Zodiac-based year designation. The resolution expresses the House’s respect for Rhode Island’s Cambodian community and directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, Inc.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide on April 17, 2025. It formally recognizes the 1975 Khmer Rouge takeover that led to the deaths of approximately 2 million Cambodians and honors survivors and the Cambodian-American community in Rhode Island. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to specific Rhode Island Cambodian community organizations that organize annual remembrance events. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 4, 2025, as "Transit Equity Day" in Rhode Island to honor Rosa Parks' birthday and her historic stand for equitable public transit. It symbolically recognizes the connection between her civil rights activism and the need for accessible, sustainable transportation systems that serve all communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with transit agencies and advocacy groups to raise public awareness - without creating new laws or funding. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond symbolic recognition.)