Rep. Rebecca Kislak

Creates the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.

Maddy summaryHB 5141 would create a special Rhode Island motor vehicle license plate honoring Governor Roger Williams, the first governor of what became Rhode Island. Vehicle owners who apply for this plate would pay an additional $25 service fee and $5 transfer fee on top of regular registration costs, with $15 covering plate manufacturing and distribution. The plate would display "Gov. Roger Williams" and the state seal, replacing the vehicle's standard license plates. This commemorative plate is optional and would not alter standard registration requirements or fees for regular plates.

Maddy summaryHB 5321 establishes the Rhode Island Child Care for All Act, creating a new Office for Early Learning within the state government by June 2027 to manage the state's child care system. It directly affects families with young children (capping child care costs at 7% of income), child care providers, and early educators by providing direct funding to cover costs not met by family fees. Key provisions include requiring providers to improve educator wages to match K-12 standards, expanding access in underserved areas, and ensuring care for children with disabilities. The bill aims to make high-quality child care affordable and accessible statewide while consolidating oversight from multiple departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5288) is a symbolic resolution designating February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It honors school counselors' roles in supporting students' academic, career, and personal development. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president. It has no legal effect but formally recognizes the contributions of school counselors within the state.

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) celebrating "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in Rhode Island from January 29-February 4, 2025. It formally recognizes physician anesthesiologists for their role in patient safety during surgery, labor, pain management, and care for Veterans, without creating new policies or affecting anyone through legal requirements. The resolution urges citizens to acknowledge their work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. It passed the Rhode Island House on January 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally congratulates resident physicians and fellows at Rhode Island Hospital-Brown University Health and Care New England hospitals for successfully organizing unions affiliated with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU). The resolution expresses the House's recognition of their unionization efforts and hopes their work helps address healthcare challenges in Rhode Island. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition of their organizing campaign.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Rhode Island. It raises public and professional awareness about maternal health issues, referencing state efforts to address preventable deaths, disparities (particularly for Black mothers), and initiatives like the Pregnancy & Post-Partum Death Review Committee. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing state work to improve maternal health outcomes. It was passed by the House on January 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of Ralph P. Fargnoli, Sr. It honors his 70-year marriage, service in the U.S. Army (Korean War era, 3rd Infantry Regiment), 32 years with the U.S. Postal Service, and 22 years as a doorkeeper in the Rhode Island House. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Phyllis, and his family. It has no policy impact or legal effect beyond expressing collective sympathy.