Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 21, 2025, as "National Caregivers Day" in Rhode Island. It symbolically recognizes caregivers - both professional (like home health aides) and family members - who provide unpaid care to adults or children, citing statistics about their significant time commitments. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it merely proclaims a date for acknowledgment. The House passed it on February 25, 2025, and the Secretary of State will send a certified copy to the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA).

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island. It is a ceremonial observance with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements - it simply recognizes the importance of public education through a formal state proclamation. The resolution highlights values like school equity, educator support, and student success, but does not alter existing laws or programs. It directly affects Rhode Island residents and schools by encouraging community recognition during that week.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences for Ann D. McCaffrey, a former Warwick public school special education teacher and community member. The bill formally extends the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest sympathy to her family, including her children (who hold political ties) and grandchildren. It does not create any new laws or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal memorial gesture. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution formally welcomes Scouting America's Narragansett Council to the Rhode Island State House and celebrates Scouting Month in February. It recognizes the Council's community service, youth programs, and impact across Rhode Island, including 6,842 Scouts donating 19,653 service hours in 2024. The resolution has no policy or funding implications - it is a symbolic gesture expressing legislative appreciation for the organization's work. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Council's Scout Executive.

Prohibits any city or town from requiring an applicant for license to carry concealed firearm to provide a reason for their request other than those outlined in § 11-47-1.

Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5481) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on February 12, 2025, to commemorate Patrice Wood's 45th anniversary as a journalist at WJAR NBC 10 in Providence. It formally celebrates her career milestones, including her roles as anchor for multiple newscasts and her work as an education reporter, and recognizes her advocacy for children in foster care that contributed to adoption placements. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Wood. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group beyond honoring the individual.

Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Maddy summaryHB 5073 establishes a maximum 8-hour workday for state-employed peace officers (including correctional officers) in Rhode Island, with a 10-hour cap for correctional officer stewards. The bill prohibits requiring overtime beyond these limits except during unforeseeable emergencies like riots, and mandates double-time-and-a-half pay if the state violates these rules. It specifically affects correctional staff working for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, ensuring they cannot be forced into excessive overtime without exception. The law also requires employers to make "reasonable efforts" to find volunteers before mandating overtime during emergencies. Violations would trigger immediate payment of the doubled overtime rate to affected employees.

Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.