Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryHB 7336 expands existing uninsured motorist coverage to include property damage (like vehicle damage) alongside bodily injury, which was previously only covered for bodily harm. It requires insurers to offer property damage coverage unless a driver with collision coverage specifically rejects it in writing. The bill mandates insurers to inform policyholders about this coverage option during renewals and sets a $200 deductible for property damage claims. This change directly affects drivers in Rhode Island who need to file claims for property damage caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution expressing condolences for Ruth Ann Desmarais, a dedicated 11-year employee of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and legal secretary at Al DiFiore Law Office. It formally extends the House's deepest sympathy to her family, including her daughter Susan Thompson and husband Mark. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to her family. It passed unanimously on February 5, 2026, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties beyond the expression of mourning.

Prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees as well as representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 7039 sets a maximum 8-hour workday for most state peace officers (defined under §12-7-21) and a 10-hour limit for correctional officer stewards, prohibiting forced overtime except during unforeseeable emergencies like riots. It requires the state to pay affected officers double time and a half if they are compelled to work beyond these limits, with exceptions for true emergencies after exhausting reasonable staffing efforts. The bill directly affects Rhode Island Department of Corrections peace officers, aiming to protect their health and safety while ensuring emergency response flexibility. This policy change takes effect upon passage, with no impact on existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 7194 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty committed by a family or household member against another household member. It specifically adds three offenses to the list: unnecessary cruelty to an animal (§ 4-1-3), malicious injury or killing of an animal (§ 4-1-5), and abandonment of an animal (§ 4-1-26). This change directly affects victims who share household animals with an abuser and allows courts to address animal cruelty as part of domestic violence cases. The bill amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to explicitly include these animal-related offenses under the same legal framework as other domestic violence crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 7497 provides state agencies with a specific definition of antisemitism - adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in 2016 - to evaluate potential discrimination cases. The bill requires state agencies to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or determining violations of anti-discrimination laws, including those based on religion or country of origin. It also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and ensures the law does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state discrimination laws. The bill applies directly to state government operations, not private individuals or businesses. It takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes school counselors' roles in supporting student development, career exploration, and collaboration with parents and educators. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It solely serves to honor the profession through symbolic recognition during the specified week.

Amends the definition of infectious diseases to include the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and would include emergency medical technicians eligible for benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 7038 establishes a uniform $70 fee for most routine court documents, including writs, citations, and subpoenas not specifically listed in existing fee schedules. This change directly affects sheriffs, sergeants, and constables who serve these documents, replacing variable fees with a set rate for unspecified cases. The bill standardizes fees to ensure a minimum $70 charge for these services, with all collected fees deposited as general revenue.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 2025 as "Fragile X Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes Fragile X Syndrome as the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism, affecting over 100,000 Americans. The resolution urges Rhode Islanders to raise awareness, share information, and support research and families impacted by Fragile X Syndrome. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the National Fragile X Foundation and Little Rhody Warriors. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution, not a bill with policy changes.)