Rep. Robert Craven

Maddy summaryHB 5089 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "houseboat" to include both motorized and non-motorized vessels. This change updates existing harbor regulations in coastal towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton), allowing them to regulate all types of houseboats under their local harbor management ordinances. Towns gain authority to set rules for houseboat size, location, mooring, and safety standards in public waters. The bill directly affects local harbor authorities and residents using houseboats in these communities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It expresses the House's condolences upon the passing of Anthony Eugene Piccirilli, a longtime Deputy Clerk for the Rhode Island State Superior Court and community member. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Linda Piccirilli, and family. It has no policy impact or effect on laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5190 updates the definition of "houseboat" to include motorized and non-motorized vessels (like platforms, waterborne hotels, or restaurants) used primarily as residences, not for transportation. This means houseboats registered or unregistered - whether floating or fixed - will now be taxed as personal property by local tax assessors. The bill also grants specific towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton) authority to regulate non-self-propelled houseboats, including setting mooring fees, enforcing location rules, and imposing fines up to $100 for violations. These changes clarify existing tax treatment and local regulatory powers for houseboat residents and waterfront management.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive bill. The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed HR 5092 to formally express "deepest sympathies" on the passing of Andrea Marie Hopkins, a longtime URI community leader and community volunteer. The resolution honors her life, career (including roles at URI and Centerville Bank), and service to Rhode Island (noting her 2024 Philanthropist of the Year award). It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her husband, Mark Hopkins, and family. The bill has no policy impact or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution extending condolences on the passing of Martin E. Cooper, a Rhode Island community leader and advocate for justice, bias prevention, and Holocaust education. The resolution formally expresses the House's deepest sympathy to his family - his wife Betsy, children, granddaughter, and siblings - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to them. It does not create any new laws, policies, or funding. The resolution serves solely as a formal tribute to Mr. Cooper's life and community contributions.

Maddy summaryHR 5057 is a procedural resolution expressing condolences for Joseph A. Gilmartin, a former North Kingstown history teacher and championship high school football coach in Rhode Island. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, formally mourns his passing and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his wife, children, and siblings. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is solely a commemorative gesture honoring his contributions to education and athletics. The bill directly affects the Gilmartin family by providing official recognition of their loss.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5058) expressing condolences for the late Senator James S. D'Ambra, a former Rhode Island State Senate member and educator. It formally honors his 16-year legislative service, career in education, and community contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his widow, children, and grandchildren. It has no policy provisions or impact on laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 5008 is a procedural resolution limiting House members to introducing no more than 18 bills or resolutions per legislative session, excluding specific categories. It excludes city/town bills, corporate charter reinstatements, ceremonial resolutions, appropriations, and study commission-related bills. Members must file bills by February 16, 2025 (for the 2023-2024 session), with exceptions allowing up to three late introductions after that date under strict conditions. This rule applies to all members of the House of Representatives during the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.

Provides that any person admitted to the House floor dress in an appropriate manner and would further require male members to wear a coat and tie and require dignified dress for female members.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution, not a substantive legislative bill. HR 5038 expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences upon the passing of Judge Edward Clark Parker, who served on the State Traffic Tribunal for 30 years (retiring in 2022). The resolution honors his career, family, and community service, including his role as Deputy Attorney General and his 61-year membership at Pawtucket Country Club. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. No policy changes or affected parties are involved.