Rep. Brian Kennedy

Creates a special legislative commission to study/provide recommendations for water supply planning for new housing developments in rural communities, whose findings/recommendations to the House of Representatives on or before 6/15/27 and expires 7/1/27.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates J. L. "Lynn" Singleton on his retirement as President and CEO of the Providence Performing Arts Center. It recognizes his forty-three-year tenure, during which he transformed the venue from near bankruptcy into a major regional theater with increased attendance and expanded programming. The resolution highlights his leadership in restoring the building's historic splendor and launching numerous national tours, noting his continued role in professional facilities management after leaving PPAC. The text concludes by expressing gratitude for his contributions to the arts and directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates June 4, 2026, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island to honor Cox Communications for its charitable contributions. The measure acknowledges the company's history of funding STEM and community programs through Cox Charities and lists specific local organizations that received grants in 2026. It does not alter any laws or policies but serves to publicly recognize the broadband provider's philanthropic efforts in the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to Cox Communications officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally honors the life and work of Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and educator. It recognizes his significant contributions to Rhode Island, including his role in founding the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies and his service on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. The resolution expresses gratitude for his impact on the state and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that honors the 241st Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, which marks the oldest continuous Independence Day event in the United States. It specifically recognizes seven individuals for their leadership and service in organizing the 2026 festivities, including the General Chairwoman, Chief Marshal, speakers, and representatives for the Miss Fourth of July pageant. The resolution also acknowledges the participation of Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the event. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to the named honorees.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Family Caregivers Support Act of 2013, aims to protect employees who care for family members from discrimination in the workplace. It makes it illegal for employers to refuse to hire someone, fire them, or penalize them in any way because of their caregiving duties. The law also requires employers to consider requests for flexible schedules or remote work to handle medical appointments and therapy, unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the business. Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees have some flexibility if they can prove that meeting these requests would be too burdensome. If a caregiver believes their rights were violated, the Human Rights Commission is authorized to investigate and order remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 7702 modifies Rhode Island's personal income tax calculation by adding back certain federal tax exclusions to residents' adjusted gross income. It specifically requires adding nonqualified withdrawals from tuition savings programs (e.g., withdrawals not used for education costs) and federal PPP loan forgiveness exceeding $250,000. The bill also allows a deduction of up to $500 ($1,000 for joint filers) for contributions to Rhode Island's tuition savings program, subject to limits like excluding rollovers or non-participant contributions. This directly affects residents using tuition savings accounts or receiving federal stimulus funds, altering their taxable income for state tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 7055 changes how longevity payments (extra pay for years of service) are handled for certain state employees in Rhode Island. Starting July 1, 2026, non-classified state employees under grade 19 (excluding faculty) will be able to negotiate these payments through collective bargaining agreements, reversing a 2011 ban. The bill specifies payments cannot be counted toward base salary and clarifies rules for employees with existing agreements. It applies to employees of the Board of Governors for Higher Education, Board of Regents for Elementary/Secondary Education, and other state departments. This is a policy change to allow future negotiations, not a new benefit.

Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially designates May 2026 as 'Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month' in Rhode Island. It aims to raise public understanding of these chronic conditions by encouraging awareness and education activities throughout the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to acknowledge the partnership.