Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryHB 5049 removes a $5 registration fee and transfer charge for applicants seeking a special license plate honoring Bronze Star Medal recipients. The bill directly affects veterans who have received the U.S. Bronze Star Medal and wish to display the special plate on their vehicles. It amends existing law to eliminate the mandatory $5 fee while keeping all other plate design and eligibility rules unchanged. The change takes effect on January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law by the governor on June 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Frank A. Karpinski for retiring after 31 years of service in Rhode Island's Office of the General Treasurer, specifically recognizing his leadership of the Employees' Retirement System (ERSRI). It acknowledges his role in modernizing retirement systems, guiding ERSRI through financial reforms, and his national expertise in public pension administration. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Karpinski. It does not create new laws or affect any stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes June 12, 2025, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Cox Communications for its community philanthropy, including over $11 million in grants for youth STEAM programs and support in areas like environment, education, and diversity. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply declares a date to acknowledge Cox's charitable work and thanks the company. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5637 updates the state's Credit Card Crime Act to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards covered by fraud statutes. This change means individuals who fraudulently use, forge, or obtain goods/services with stolen or expired debit cards will now face the same criminal penalties as those committing credit card fraud. The law expands the scope of existing penalties (including a $100 six-month threshold for misdemeanor charges) to cover debit card fraud, which was previously not explicitly addressed. This directly affects individuals committing debit card fraud and ensures consistent legal treatment for both debit and credit card fraud.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It formally celebrates the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary (marking its founding on June 14, 1775) and honors current and past service members. The resolution directs the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the U.S. Army Secretary, Daniel P. Driscoll. It has no policy impact or funding changes - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution congratulating Joseph Hicks of Johnston, Rhode Island, on winning the American Trucking Association's 2024 National Truck Driving Championship (4-Axle Tractor Trailer Class). It recognizes him as the first Rhode Islander to win this championship, highlighting his six-time Rhode Island Truck Driving Championship titles and one million accident-free driving miles. The resolution formally expresses the House's admiration for his achievements and family support, directing the Secretary of State to send him a certified copy. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law or affect policy, but solely offers formal recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares June 3, 2025, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" in Rhode Island to recognize pharmacists' roles in healthcare. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages citizens, healthcare professionals, and organizations to participate in activities highlighting pharmacists' contributions to patient care and public health. The resolution specifically acknowledges pharmacists as accessible healthcare providers who support medication therapy and collaborate with other health teams. It has no direct regulatory impact on individuals or healthcare delivery.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a substantive bill) passed by the Rhode Island House on June 3, 2025. It formally expresses gratitude to retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Jack Hammond for founding and leading Home Base National Center of Excellence for Mental Health and Brain Injuries. The resolution highlights his military service, leadership in combat operations, and his role in establishing the free, private-sector partnership between the Boston Red Sox, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School that provides mental health and brain injury care to veterans and their families at no cost. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it solely serves to honor General Hammond's contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6381) formally congratulates the South Kingstown High School Rebel Theater Group for winning multiple awards at the 2024-2025 Ocean State Star Awards, including Outstanding Musical and several individual honors. It directly recognizes the students and staff involved in their production of "Shrek the Musical," which received accolades in categories like ensemble, orchestra, and technical achievements. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative support through a ceremonial congratulatory statement and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the theater group's director. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5052 changes the service requirement for admission to Rhode Island's Veterans' Home from 90 days to two years of honorable service. It specifically prioritizes veterans who served in declared or undeclared wars and earned campaign medals (as documented on their DD-214), placing them on a separate waiting list ahead of other eligible veterans. The bill requires the Veterans' Services Office to maintain two distinct waiting lists - one for "war veterans" and one for others - and prohibits admitting non-war veterans until the war veterans' list is exhausted. This policy directly affects veterans who previously qualified under the 90-day rule but now must meet the longer service standard to access the facility.