Raises the amount of life insurance the state provides at no charge to Rhode Island National Guard members called up for federal duty to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
Rep. Brian Kennedy
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 6001 redirects the distribution of hotel tax revenue in Rhode Island, shifting a larger share to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for tourism promotion. For tax payments received after December 31, 2015, 75% of the tax generated by hotels in the statewide district (covering most of the state) must now go directly to the Commerce Corporation, up from previous allocations. The bill requires the Commerce Corporation to spend at least the full amount it receives annually on promoting Rhode Island as a tourism destination. This change primarily affects hotels statewide, altering how local tourism districts, cities, and the Commerce Corporation receive funding from hotel taxes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 6197) declares April as "Holocaust & Genocide Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It encourages history and social science educators in public schools to incorporate lessons about past and current genocides into their curriculum, aligning with the state's existing 2016 education requirements and the work of the Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission. The resolution does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of educating students to prevent future atrocities, urging a commitment to combat bigotry and injustice.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2025 as "Community Development Month" in Rhode Island through a ceremonial resolution. It recognizes Community Development Corporations and nonprofit housing developers (specifically acknowledging The Housing Network of Rhode Island and its members) for their work in creating affordable housing, supporting community services like childcare and job training, and improving economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to HNRI's Executive Director, Melina Lodge, as formal acknowledgment of these organizations' contributions. As a symbolic gesture with no new policy requirements or funding, it does not alter laws or directly affect residents' daily lives.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state's history of linguistic diversity and aims to highlight the educational needs of students learning multiple languages, while encouraging schools to adopt inclusive practices like dual-language programs. The resolution has no binding requirements but formally calls for community recognition and advocacy to support these learners' academic success.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Crime Victims Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It symbolically reaffirms the state's commitment to crime victims and survivors, honoring efforts to improve services and support within the justice system. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of ongoing work to ensure victims receive trauma-informed care and justice. It directly affects all crime victims and survivors in Rhode Island by promoting awareness of available resources.
Maddy summaryHB 5033 removes the requirement for nuclear plant construction projects to seek approval from the Rhode Island General Assembly. This bill directly affects developers planning new nuclear facilities, as they will no longer need legislative sign-off for project plans. The key change shifts the approval process away from the General Assembly, meaning developers must now navigate other regulatory pathways instead of legislative review. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter existing regulatory authority for other entities.
Maddy summaryHB 6164 creates a new bureau of public protection within Rhode Island's Attorney General's office to address consumer protection, health care regulation, environmental issues, and civil rights. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against businesses or organizations engaging in repeated illegal activities that harm the public, including seeking court orders to stop such conduct and recover restitution or fines. It requires the bureau to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing investigations, court applications, and outcomes like injunctions or penalties. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to entities already exempted under existing law.
Maddy summaryHR 6167 is a House Resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on April 3, 2025, that formally congratulates Emily Martineau, Deputy Director of Communications in the Office of the Speaker, on receiving the 2025 Providence Business News Government/Quasi-Government Industry Leader Award. The resolution does not create new policy but serves as a ceremonial recognition of her career in public service communications. It directs the Secretary of State to provide Ms. Martineau with a certified copy of the resolution. This procedural resolution directly affects only Ms. Martineau as the honoree.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution celebrating the 20th anniversary of PACE-RI, a Rhode Island nonprofit providing healthcare services to frail seniors. It acknowledges PACE-RI's role in helping low-income seniors remain in their homes instead of nursing facilities, highlighting their holistic care model and positive outcomes like reduced hospital visits. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to PACE-RI's Chief of External Affairs. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal expression of appreciation.