Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that celebrates La Francophonie, the French-speaking world, by authorizing a flag-raising ceremony at the Rhode Island State House on March 26, 2026. It directly affects the Alliance Française de Providence, the French consulate, and Rhode Island residents with French heritage or language skills. The resolution formally welcomes these groups to commemorate French culture and language, recognizing the state's 124,000 residents of French descent and the organization's 250-member community. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Alliance Française de Providence to acknowledge the partnership. This measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than a substantive policy change.
Rep. Mike Chippendale
Sponsored bills
Allows early voting ballot application to be completed in person on an electronic poll pad. Voter then issued a ballot to be placed in a state-approved voting device.
Exempts homes under two thousand (2,000) square feet from automatic statewide IECC energy mandates, allowing municipalities to decide whether to adopt climate-focused building code requirements for small and modest homes.
Maddy summaryHB 7531 repeals Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate in its entirety, removing the state's legally established greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and associated requirements. This bill directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council (created under the repealed law), and all entities subject to the prior climate regulations. The repeal eliminates mandatory targets like 45% below 1990 emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2040, along with the Council's duties to develop plans, coordinate climate efforts, and address environmental justice. The law was introduced in the 2026 legislative session and would remove all provisions of the original 2021 climate law.
Requires agencies preparing economic impact statements for small businesses contain findings that the anticipated compliance costs of a proposed rule scale proportionally with the business size, and do not impose fixed costs that favor larger businesses.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which has included providing emergency shelter, housing solutions, and trauma-informed support to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Vanessa Volz. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the organization's legacy and ongoing work in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a state-level resolution that commemorates Medal of Honor Day on March 25, 2026, in Rhode Island. It recognizes the state's thirty-five citizens who have received the nation's highest military decoration for acts of extraordinary bravery. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Governor, Director of Veterans Services, and Adjutant General. This is a ceremonial measure that honors military heroes rather than establishing new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates the Rhode Island Hip Hop Hall of Fame on its inaugural ceremony held on March 8, 2026, and honors the individuals inducted for their contributions to hip hop culture. The resolution recognizes the event's significance in formally acknowledging pioneers across DJing, emceeing, breakdancing, and graffiti art, as well as supporters who helped sustain the culture. It specifically names four inductees - Vincent "Bad Lad" Lopes, Mason "DJ Finesse" Santos, Paris Fisher, and Donald "DJ Donnie Battle/BBoy Keebla" Senna - for their outstanding achievements and community impact. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Hall of Fame and its founders, serving as an official state acknowledgment of this cultural milestone.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 24, 2026, as "National Diabetes Alert Day 2026" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about diabetes risks and prevention. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging them to learn about their diabetes risk and pursue preventive care. The resolution formally recognizes the importance of early awareness and supports the state Department of Health's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle choices. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight public health priorities.
Maddy summaryHB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.