Rep. Mike Chippendale

Maddy summaryHR 7257 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit annual state budget growth in Rhode Island. The bill would require that total state spending increases each year not exceed the higher of either the previous year's inflation rate (using the Consumer Price Index) or the growth rate of Rhode Island personal income. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergencies approved by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. If approved by voters, this amendment would directly affect how the state government sets annual budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 7251 limits annual state spending growth to the higher of Rhode Island's inflation rate or personal income growth rate, whichever is greater. This directly affects the state budget process by capping how much total state spending can increase each year from the previous year's level. Exceptions include debt payments, federally mandated spending, and emergency expenditures approved by a two-thirds vote. The bill requires annual reporting on spending growth versus the limit and mandates the governor to create a reduction plan if the legislature exceeds the cap. It takes effect upon passage.

Limits the authority of the Rhode Island commerce corporation to finance any transaction to five million dollars ($5,000,000) for any one individual, business entity or project.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates April 2026 as Organ Donation Month in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors. It encourages residents to register as donors through the state's driver's license system or online, aiming to increase the number of people willing to donate life-saving parts. The measure directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with relevant state and regional organizations to promote the observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates April 2026 as the 'Month of the Military Child' within the State of Rhode Island to honor the sacrifices of military families. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by military children, such as frequent school transitions, and specifically acknowledges the Middletown School District for serving a significant number of these students. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the proclamation to the Middletown School Committee and Superintendent William J. Niemeyer to facilitate local observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Rhode Island to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with missing or altered limbs. The resolution encourages residents to support affected people, learn about related issues, and honor veterans who have lost limbs in service. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally expresses condolences for the death of Linda Zanni, a Rhode Island resident who worked in the state legislature and owned a local dance studio. The document honors her life by highlighting her community service, her role as a mother, and her dedication to teaching dance. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family as a gesture of sympathy.

Maddy summaryHR 7524 is a Rhode Island House resolution urging Governor Daniel McKee to support regional efforts to expand natural gas pipeline capacity into New England. It addresses Rhode Island's heavy reliance on natural gas for electricity (87% of in-state generation) and high energy costs, noting current pipeline capacity limits force reliance on costlier, higher-emission fuels during winter peaks, contributing to residential electricity rates double the national average (32.3¢/kWh vs. 16.4¢/kWh). The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the governor join Northeast governors in advocating for pipeline infrastructure to stabilize energy prices and reduce supply risks. This directly affects Rhode Island residents and ratepayers facing elevated energy costs due to current infrastructure constraints.

Prohibits contractors from submitting a single application to a local review board seeking a comprehensive permit for housing projects in certain circumstances.

Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.