Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 11, 2025, as "211 Day" in Rhode Island to honor United Way 211. It recognizes United Way 211 as a free, 24/7 service providing vital connections to health, housing, food, and disaster assistance for Rhode Islanders, including support in nearly 200 languages. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to publicly acknowledge the organization's role in community support and crisis response, noting it handled 213,000 assistance requests in 2024-2025. The House passed it on February 11, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to share certified copies with United Way and partners.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) congratulating Dr. Aaron Ley and the University of Rhode Island (URI) on achieving NASPAA accreditation for URI's Master of Public Administration program. NASPAA is the global accrediting body for public service education programs, and this accreditation makes URI's program the first in Rhode Island to earn it. The resolution formally recognizes Dr. Ley's leadership as program director and the program's adherence to NASPAA's standards for public service ethics and education. No policy changes or new laws are created by this resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5325) passed on February 6, 2025, extending the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences on the passing of Gloria Messerlian. It honors her life as a devoted wife, mother, and community member, highlighting her long marriage, family, faith, and role in founding Baxter’s Jewelry. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her family members, including her children Lisa Abbott and Paul Messerlian. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond expressing collective respect for her passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution, not a policy change. It formally proclaims February 8, 2025, as "Carrigan Nelson Day" in Rhode Island to honor Carrigan Nelson, a young woman battling pediatric osteosarcoma cancer since 2019. The resolution recognizes her advocacy work, including lobbying Congress for pediatric cancer funding and serving on nonprofit boards. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Carrigan Nelson. The bill directly honors Carrigan and raises awareness for cancer warriors, with no legislative or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution (not a law) proclaiming February 2025 as "American Heart Month" in Rhode Island. It cites local heart disease statistics (217 deaths per 100,000 in 2022) and aligns with the national American Heart Month focus on heart health awareness. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Heart Association - Rhode Island. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; it solely serves to raise public awareness through symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 5048 would create special license plates for vehicles owned by the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub, a nonprofit organization that honors veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C. for WWII and Korean War veterans. Owners of vehicles using these plates would pay a $40 one-time fee and a $10 annual renewal fee, with $20 of the initial fee going to the state general fund and $20 allocated to the nonprofit. The nonprofit must use all funds for Rhode Island-based charitable causes and submit annual financial reports. This is a special plate program, not a broad policy change, and would take effect six months after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5288) is a symbolic resolution designating February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It honors school counselors' roles in supporting students' academic, career, and personal development. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president. It has no legal effect but formally recognizes the contributions of school counselors within the state.

2022) (Implements technical corrections to the transition rules for transactions governed by 2024 Public Laws Chapters 65 and 66 regarding security interests in emerging technologies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5239) is a symbolic resolution declaring January 30, 2025, as "Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day." It directly recognizes the state's ongoing food insecurity crisis, citing that 38% of Rhode Island households struggled to meet basic food needs in 2024, with higher rates among communities of color. The resolution has no new funding or policy changes; it solely serves to raise public awareness and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The House passed it on January 30, 2025, as a non-binding gesture.

Maddy summaryHR 5241 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives expressing condolences for the death of Richmond Police Sergeant Michael W. Lawing, a U.S. Marine veteran and dedicated officer who led the department's K-9 program and body camera implementation. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Lawing's family, including his wife Caitlyn and three children. This procedural bill does not create policy changes but formally honors his service and legacy.