Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of emotional and psychological well-being. It encourages citizens, schools, and healthcare providers to increase awareness and provide age-appropriate mental health education. The resolution calls for efforts to reduce stigma and help residents live healthier lives by promoting mental health resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as National Military Appreciation Month within the State of Rhode Island. It formally recognizes the sacrifices of current and former military service members, as well as their families, by highlighting various observances held throughout the month. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor and the Adjutant General to officially implement this commemoration.

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao individuals who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences for the passing of the late Honorable Edward L. Maggiacomo. It directly affects his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, by formally acknowledging their loss. The resolution honors Maggiacomo's distinguished public service career, which included roles as a U.S. Army Lieutenant, a state representative, and a Democratic National Committeeman. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his immediate family.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges and needs related to brain tumor research and treatment. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about the disease. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to leaders of several brain tumor advocacy organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Rhode Island to promote public education on wildfire prevention and preparedness. The resolution directly affects state residents and officials by encouraging awareness of wildfire risks and safe practices during the designated month. It serves as a commemorative measure to recognize the efforts of firefighters and emergency responders while highlighting the state's existing wildfire management programs. The bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on raising awareness through an official state designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 19, 2026, as Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day in Rhode Island to honor the victims of the 1913-1923 atrocities against Greek populations in the Ottoman Empire. The resolution formally recognizes the historical events that included forced relocation, death marches, and mass killings, while also acknowledging the contributions of Greek descendants to the state. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada to facilitate the commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing condolences and honoring the life of Janice Luongo, a prominent Rhode Island advocate who passed away in May 2026. It directly affects Luongo's family, friends, and colleagues by formally acknowledging her contributions to helping people experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. The resolution highlights her specific work, including founding the publication "Street Sights" and her dedication to addressing the root causes of housing insecurity. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send official copies of the resolution to Luongo's wife, Annmarie Simoli, and her family.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as 'ALS Awareness Month' in Rhode Island to highlight Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive disease that affects muscle control and has no cure. The resolution aims to encourage state residents to learn about ALS and support those living with the condition, as well as researchers working toward a treatment. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to ALS United RI, the state's local chapter of the national ALS Association.

Maddy summaryHB 8531 amends Rhode Island's compulsory attendance laws to give school committees the authority to deny or defer approval of homeschooling plans under specific circumstances. The bill requires schools to implement due diligence interventions, such as consulting with parents and support teams, before referring truant students to family court. It also establishes a formal process for approving alternative learning plans and extended withdrawals, which allow students to take breaks or reduce their coursework while remaining enrolled, particularly considering pandemic-related disruptions. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from using truancy as the sole reason for out-of-school suspensions and mandates that private schools and at-home instruction meet specific attendance and curriculum standards.