Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to stop retailers from charging sales tax on refundable deposits for batteries and core charges for motor vehicle parts. Under the new rules, these specific fees would be exempt from taxation, while any money collected must be held in trust for the state. The tax division would create guidelines to enforce this change and send notices to retailers instructing them to stop collecting sales tax on these items. This change directly affects businesses that sell automotive batteries and vehicle components by altering how they calculate and collect taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 23, 2024, as "Lead Poisoning Prevention Day" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the health risks of lead exposure. It highlights the dangers lead poses to children, particularly in the state's many pre-1978 homes where lead-based paint is common, noting that thousands of local children are at risk. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the proclamation to the Department of Environmental Management. This measure is a commemorative action intended to focus attention on lead safety rather than to change laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 59th annual Gaspee Days celebration and marks the 252nd anniversary of the burning of the British ship HMS Gaspee in 1772. The bill formally recognizes the historical significance of this event as a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and acknowledges the ongoing annual festivities held in Pawtuxet Village, Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Gaspee Days Committee chairman and encourages citizens to participate in the upcoming events.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates Paul Rizzo on his induction into the Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. It directly affects Coach Rizzo by formally recognizing his nineteen-year tenure as the head coach of the North Providence Boys Basketball Team, during which he led the team to multiple league titles and state championships. The resolution highlights his specific achievements, including three Division II state victories and numerous Coach of the Year awards, while also noting his past success coaching softball and baseball at the same school. The final provision directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to Coach Rizzo.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally welcomes Boys Town New England to the Rhode Island State House on May 23, 2024, and thanks the organization for its work supporting children and families. The bill recognizes the nonprofit's history since 1917 and highlights its current impact, which includes serving over 20,000 individuals through residential care, foster programs, and community initiatives in Rhode Island. It also notes the organization's high financial rating from Charity Navigator and its use of a specific educational model focused on behavior and social skills. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send an official copy to the organization's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution officially designates May 2024 as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" to highlight the needs of individuals living with limb loss or difference. The measure encourages residents to celebrate these individuals, learn about related health issues, support caregivers, and honor veterans who have lost limbs. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the National Limb Loss Resource Center and The Amputee Coalition for their awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates the North Smithfield High School team and their coach, Natalie O'Brien, for winning the 2024 "We the People" State Competition in Rhode Island. The resolution recognizes the students for their performance in a civic education contest where they demonstrated knowledge of constitutional topics through prepared speeches and unscripted answers to judge questions. It directs the Secretary of State to send an official copy of the resolution to the school's coach. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the team's achievement rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates the North Kingstown High School team and their coach, Susan Erikson, for winning first place at the 41st Rhode Island Academic Decathlon in March 2024. The resolution recognizes the team's achievement in a statewide competition that tests high school students on subjects ranging from science and math to art and speech, noting that North Kingstown also earned the right to represent Rhode Island in the national contest. By passing this measure, the House of Representatives expresses official praise for the student athletes and their coach, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the coach.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences for the death of former Representative Mary Louise Walter. It honors her life by noting her long service as a public official, her dedication to her family and community, and her personal interests. The text directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to her daughters, Susan Tronti and Raeann Smoot.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 21, 2024, as "Korea Day" in the State of Rhode Island to honor the state's Korean American community and its contributions to local culture and the economy. The resolution acknowledges the historical ties between Rhode Island and South Korea, including the service of Korean War veterans and the growth of trade between the two regions. It also recognizes the work of the Korean American Association of Rhode Island in promoting cultural exchange and friendship. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Korean American Association of Rhode Island and the Korean Consul General in Boston.