Rep. Brian Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as School Library Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of school librarians and their role in student success. The resolution emphasizes how librarians help students develop literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship skills while providing access to diverse resources. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the School Librarians of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Library Association to encourage public recognition of these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the disease and support those affected. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public understanding of Parkinson's symptoms and the need for research. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the proclamation to the American Parkinson Disease Association's Rhode Island chapter.

Provides that no contract between a dental plan or other healthcare entity and a dentist requires the dentist to accept exclusively by virtual credit cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $40,000 from the state treasury to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for participation in the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact (NFFPC). The NFFPC is a mutual aid agreement among seven New England states, New York, and five Canadian provinces that allows states to share firefighting resources during large wildfires. Rhode Island uses this compact to access specialized equipment and personnel from other jurisdictions when local resources are overwhelmed, and this funding covers the state's share of costs for wages, transportation, and maintenance when requesting assistance. The bill does not change the compact's rules but ensures Rhode Island meets its financial obligations under the existing agreement.

Maddy summaryHR 8206 is a joint resolution appropriating $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for new firefighting equipment. It directly funds the purchase of forestry hoses, specifically for use by DEM's forestry or fire management units. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee. This is a straightforward budgetary request with no broader policy changes or public impact beyond the specified equipment purchase.

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program relating to green bonds requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $60,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 8181 exempts waste management collection vehicles operating at Rhode Island's central landfill from tolls charged by the R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority. This directly affects waste management companies that transport trash to the central landfill, removing a toll cost for their vehicles. The bill creates a specific exemption for these vehicles on turnpike and bridge tolls, streamlining their operations. It does not change general toll policies for other vehicles or alter the authority's toll collection system. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee following its introduction on February 27, 2026.

Proposes a bond measure authorizing the State of Rhode Island to issue up to $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to fund coastal preparedness and resilience projects.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai Lao, which is celebrated annually in April by the Laotian community in Rhode Island. The bill recognizes the holiday's cultural significance, including traditions like water splashing and family ceremonies that symbolize renewal and hope, while honoring the resilience of Laotian refugees who resettled in the United States after fleeing their homeland in the 1970s. It formally acknowledges the contributions of the Laotian American community to the state and extends best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year. Finally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of Temple Wat Lao in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution from Rhode Island that officially recognizes the celebration of the Cambodian New Year and the Year of the Horse on April 13-15, 2026. It highlights the holiday's traditions, such as family gatherings, gift-giving to elders, and temple visits, while expressing appreciation for the Cambodian community's contributions to the state's culture. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the President of the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island.