Rep. Kathleen Fogarty

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution officially designates June 2026 as "Pride Month" in Rhode Island to honor the history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the state's anti-discrimination protections and the significance of the annual PrideFest celebration. By directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Rhode Island Pride, the measure formally acknowledges the cultural importance of the month's events.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special legislative commission to study the need for establishing an Office of the Elder Advocate in Rhode Island. The commission will consist of thirteen members, including representatives from the legislature, legal organizations, senior advocacy groups, and older adults, who will meet to examine unmet needs and existing systems for protecting older residents. The group will provide recommendations on the structure, powers, and funding for such an office and must submit its final report to the House of Representatives by March 15, 2027.

Mandates health insurance coverage for medically necessary hormonal/non-hormonal therapy to treat symptoms of peri-menopause/menopause, if therapy is recommended by qualified healthcare provider licensed in RI and has proven safe and effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally thanks and honors the groundskeepers, maintenance staff, and cemetery specialists at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. It recognizes these employees for their dedicated work in maintaining the 280-acre site, which serves as the final resting place for over 30,000 veterans and their families. The resolution specifically acknowledges the professionalism and respect shown by the staff, noting that some are veterans themselves and that they are state employees under the Office of Veterans Services. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Office of Veterans Services and the cemetery staff as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates May 10, 2026, as "Lupus Day" in Rhode Island to raise public awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The bill highlights the need for better understanding of the disease's symptoms and the importance of specialized medical care for patients, particularly women between the ages of 15 and 45. Additionally, the resolution encourages charitable donations to the Lupus Foundation of America and related organizations to support research and patient services. The House of Representatives has passed this measure to formally recognize the day and transmit the proclamation to the foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote public education on wildfire prevention and preparedness. The resolution directly affects state residents and officials by encouraging awareness of wildfire risks and safe practices during the designated month. It serves as a commemorative measure to recognize the efforts of firefighters and emergency responders while highlighting the state's existing wildfire management programs. The bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on raising awareness through an official state designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of David Sunley Frerichs, a respected farmer, businessman, and former public servant from Warren, Rhode Island. The text honors his life by highlighting his long-standing contributions to the community, including his work on Frerichs Farm, his service on the Warren Town Council, and his dedication to local agricultural events. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Frerichs' family as a formal gesture of sympathy from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses condolences to the family of Burton Stallwood, a former Rhode Island official who passed away. The bill honors his extensive public service career, which included serving as Town Administrator of Lincoln for 28 years and as a U.S. Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his three children, Scott Stallwood, Gregg Stallwood, and Tracey Gardiner.

Limits retired, part-time or adjunct instructors, hired by any state college, university, or state school, to teaching no more than two classes per semester.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Rhode Island Native Plant Month to raise public awareness about the benefits of native plants. It directly affects residents and organizations by encouraging them to learn about and use native species for landscaping. The resolution asks the Department of Environmental Management to promote the use of these plants to support local wildlife, improve soil and water quality, and reduce the need for pesticides. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight environmental stewardship.