Rep. Pat Serpa

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Constance Petrarca, a 100-year-old Rhode Island resident and mother of State Representative Patricia Serpa. The resolution honors her life, highlighting her role as a devoted family member, member of the "Greatest Generation," and community figure. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Representative Serpa and her family. No policy changes or direct effects on constituents are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Alan Geoffrey Hassenfeld, former CEO of Hasbro Toys, following his passing. It does not create any new laws or affect policies; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of respect. The resolution formally extends "deepest sympathy and condolences" to his family, specifically directing certified copies to his widow (Vivien Maria Hassenfeld) and sister (Ellen Block). No concrete policy changes or mechanisms are involved - this is purely a commemorative act with no legislative impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 2026 as "Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It directly affects Rhode Island firefighters and the public by formally recognizing the heightened cancer risks they face, citing CDC/NIOSH data showing firefighters have up to 2 times higher risk for certain cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer compared to the general population. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and support ongoing efforts by organizations like the IAFF and Firefighter Support Network to address firefighter cancer through education and prevention. It does not create new laws, funding, or mandates.

Creates a special registration plate for the private passenger motor vehicle for former fire chief of the Hopkins Hill Fire District, Frank M. Brown, Jr.

Requires the rule adopting agency to send a copy of the certified rule to all members of the general assembly, within twenty (20) days of filing a final rule.

Allows the town council of Coventry to make exemptions from taxation on real and personal property that has undergone environmental remediation. This act is subject to conditions as provided in this section.

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.

Provides protection from and prevent the unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees by, anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs except as authorized by federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 6173 establishes the Rhode Island Anti-Bid-Rigging Act to prohibit coordinated schemes that manipulate competitive bidding for government contracts. The law defines "bid rigging" as activities like price fixing, identical bids, or rotating bids among contractors or officials, making it a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison and fines up to $1 million or three times the contract value. It directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and government officials involved in public procurement, prohibiting them from conspiring to influence bids or improperly sharing sensitive bid information. Violators face debarment from state contracts for up to five years, with government entities required to maintain exclusion lists. The law applies to all state and local government procurement processes under Titles 37 and 45.

Establishes a rare disease advisory council within the department of health and provides guidance and recommendations to educate health care providers and the citizens of the state.