Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution from the Rhode Island House of Representatives celebrates the 249th birthday of the U.S. Army. It acknowledges the Army's historical role in defending the nation and honoring the service and sacrifices of its soldiers. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Secretary of the U.S. Army. This action is a ceremonial gesture that does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Rhode Island DMV to create a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" designed to improve communication between police officers and drivers with autism spectrum disorder. The program will be developed in consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association and the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, using best practices from similar initiatives in other states. Participation in the program is optional for all drivers, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2025.

Designates the appropriate authority on air space issues as the president and CEO of the Rhode Island airport corporation and aligns certain job titles with their proper responsibilities relative to aeronautics.

Requires RIDE to develop type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of students that will be posted publicly on RIDE's website.

Creates a 17 member commission to study the issues confronting the State due to climate change, and who would report back to the House by May 14, 2025, and expire on June 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the death of William L. Drapeau, a former state representative from East Providence. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Drapeau's widow, Elaine, and his family. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of his service to the state and does not alter any laws or policies.

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that extends condolences to the family of Elena Marie Ciccone following her passing. It directly affects the bereaved family of Senator Frank A. Ciccone, III, and authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to them. The text honors Ciccone's life by detailing her career as a hairdresser and parks department employee, her community involvement, and her personal interests. As a commemorative measure, it serves to publicly acknowledge her contributions and the loss felt by her community rather than enacting new policy.

Allows members of the Rhode Island judiciary and their staff to be issued a driver's license that contains the applicant's official business address in lieu of a residence address.

Maddy summaryHB 7331 expands Rhode Island's existing arts tax exemption program from specific districts to the entire state, allowing writers, composers, and artists to sell original, limited-production works without paying sales tax. To qualify, creators must reside in Rhode Island and apply for a certificate of exemption from the tax administrator, who will verify their eligibility based on the nature of their work. The bill mandates that these exemption certificates expire after four years and requires artists to submit annual reports detailing their sales to maintain eligibility. Additionally, the Rhode Island Council on the Arts is tasked with overseeing the statewide transition and producing annual reports to assess the program's economic impact.