Rep. Brian Kennedy

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

Maddy summaryHB 7043 requires liquor license applicants in Westerly to obtain commercial liability insurance covering liquor liability, general liability, and property damage in a minimum amount of $300,000 (or higher if set by town ordinance). This affects businesses seeking retail liquor licenses in Westerly, mandating they provide proof of insurance that names the town as an additional insured and prohibits cancellation without prior notice. The bill adds specific "liquor liability" coverage to Westerly’s existing insurance requirements, which differ from similar rules in Burrillville and North Providence. The law would take effect upon passage but remains pending before the committee.

Exempts individual retirement accounts as a countable resource for public assistance. This act also prohibits the state as a creditor against an ABLE account in the event of death of a beneficiary.

Maddy summaryHB 7572 extends a 50-foot buffer zone around polling places that restricts political campaigning to include early voting locations, not just election day voting. This affects voters, candidates, and election officials by limiting political materials and displays near all voting sites. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly add "early voting" to the prohibition against distributing political materials or wearing campaign buttons within 50 feet of voting entrances. The change applies immediately upon passage and makes no other policy shifts.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates the first Saturday in May as "Rhode Island Labyrinth Day" and recognizes May 2, 2026, as "World Labyrinth Day" within the state. It encourages residents to visit existing labyrinths for walking meditation and mindfulness at 1:00 p.m. to promote well-being and community connection. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to local labyrinth organizations and a specific representative. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or create new funding but serves to acknowledge the tradition of labyrinth walking in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 30, 2026, as "National Therapy Animal Day" within the State of Rhode Island to honor the role animals play in providing comfort and healing. It recognizes the therapeutic benefits of various animals, such as dogs, cats, fish, and horses, which help improve mental health and quality of life for individuals. The resolution urges state health officials and citizens to promote awareness of the human-animal bond and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the bill to relevant health and animal welfare organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally honors and congratulates R.J. Heim on his retirement from WJAR-TV NBC 10 in Providence. It recognizes his decades of service as a meteorologist and reporter, highlighting his Emmy awards and coverage of significant local events. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to Mr. Heim as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to Rhode Island journalism.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Rhode Island to encourage residents to improve their personal finance skills. The resolution urges citizens to participate in financial education programs during the month and throughout the year. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the RI JumpStart Coalition to support these efforts.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life and legacy of Napoleon "Nap" Lajoie, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The document formally recognizes his outstanding career achievements, including his record-setting batting average and Triple Crown performance in 1901, as well as his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Gregory Rubano, who leads a campaign to unearth Lajoie's remains and reinter them in Woonsocket.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House Resolution celebrates the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in the United States and recognizes the impact of the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the YMCA's national and state leadership.