Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5237), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Kathleen A. Brown on her retirement after 40 years of service as an Office Systems Coordinator in the Rhode Island General Assembly's Legislative Data department. The resolution expresses the House's appreciation for her work managing schedules, budgets, and data systems, and acknowledges her contributions to the legislative environment. It has no policy impact and solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution (HR 5240) formally commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the "Four Chaplains" - Methodist Minister George Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Dutch Reformed Minister Clark Poling, and Catholic Priest John Washington - who sacrificed their lives during World War II. The bill honors their actions on the SS Dorchester in 1943, where they gave up their life jackets to save others, leading to their deaths. It has no policy impact or affected parties; it is purely ceremonial, directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to two veterans' organizations. The resolution passed the Rhode Island House on January 30, 2025.

Prohibits certain claim practices of health insurers and medical providers. The act would further require fulfillment of medical record requests within fourteen (14) days.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House Resolution (HR 5211) symbolically recognizes the Lunar New Year celebration for "The Year of the Snake" on January 29, 2025. It acknowledges the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by over 20% of the world, and expresses appreciation for the Rhode Island Asian community's contributions to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any legal obligations; it is purely ceremonial. The House directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the operating rules for the Rhode Island House of Representatives for 2025 and 2026. It establishes procedures for the Speaker's authority (including calling sessions, declaring votes, and managing the calendar), sets the order of daily business (starting with committee reports and ending with adjournment), and defines deadlines for introducing bills. These rules directly govern how House members conduct legislative business, manage votes, and handle committee assignments during the 2025-2026 session.

Maddy summaryHB 5007 adopts the internal rules for the Rhode Island House of Representatives governing sessions during 2025 and 2026. It outlines the Speaker's authority to preside, refer bills, and declare votes; sets daily session times and voting procedures; establishes deadlines for bill introductions (February 15-16 annually); and permits secure electronic signatures for members. The bill directly affects House members, staff, and committee operations by standardizing procedural rules, but does not change public policy or impact constituents. This is a routine procedural measure to govern legislative workflow.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of Ralph P. Fargnoli, Sr. It honors his 70-year marriage, service in the U.S. Army (Korean War era, 3rd Infantry Regiment), 32 years with the U.S. Postal Service, and 22 years as a doorkeeper in the Rhode Island House. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Phyllis, and his family. It has no policy impact or legal effect beyond expressing collective sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive bill. The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed HR 5092 to formally express "deepest sympathies" on the passing of Andrea Marie Hopkins, a longtime URI community leader and community volunteer. The resolution honors her life, career (including roles at URI and Centerville Bank), and service to Rhode Island (noting her 2024 Philanthropist of the Year award). It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to her husband, Mark Hopkins, and family. The bill has no policy impact or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution honoring Dave Pertuso, the retiring Chief Administrative Officer of Roger Williams Park Zoo (managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society), after 31 years of service. It formally thanks him for his leadership in the zoo's financial management, conservation efforts, and role as a respected leader. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the House's gratitude and transmits a certified copy to Pertuso upon his retirement. It does not create new laws or affect any specific policies or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution extending condolences on the passing of Martin E. Cooper, a Rhode Island community leader and advocate for justice, bias prevention, and Holocaust education. The resolution formally expresses the House's deepest sympathy to his family - his wife Betsy, children, granddaughter, and siblings - and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to them. It does not create any new laws, policies, or funding. The resolution serves solely as a formal tribute to Mr. Cooper's life and community contributions.