Rep. Mike Chippendale

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the House on February 3, 2026. It formally extends congratulations to numerous individuals and organizations for specific achievements, including Community College of Rhode Island students named to the 2025 Dean's List, educators, community leaders, and members of the Liberian Community Association. The resolution recognizes their academic, professional, and community service accomplishments without creating any new laws or altering existing policies. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 7472 is a symbolic House resolution that proclaims February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Rhode Island. It recognizes the historical contributions of African Americans to Rhode Island's development and the nation, citing specific figures and milestones. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week" in Rhode Island. It recognizes school counselors' roles in supporting student development, career exploration, and collaboration with parents and educators. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island School Counselor Association president, with no new policies, funding, or obligations created. It solely serves to honor the profession through symbolic recognition during the specified week.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2026 as "American Heart Month" in Rhode Island. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but encourages public awareness through activities like wearing red, sharing heart health tips on social media, and participating in fitness challenges. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Heart Association - Rhode Island. It serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight heart disease prevention, referencing Rhode Island's 2022 data showing 22% of deaths were heart disease-related.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3, 2026, as "National Women Physicians Day" within Rhode Island. It commemorates the legacy of pioneering female physicians, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (first woman to earn a U.S. medical degree) and Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White (first Black woman transplant surgeon), while highlighting women's contributions to medicine. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the president of the Rhode Island Medical Women’s Association (RIMWA). It is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or funding impacts.

Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their town councils.

Maddy summaryHB 7459 would change the retirement eligibility rule for public school teachers from a "Rule of 95" to a "Rule of 93." Under the current rule, teachers must reach an age plus years of service totaling 95 to retire early; this bill lowers that threshold to 93. The change would allow eligible teachers to retire sooner if their age plus years of service equals 93 instead of 95. This directly affects teachers covered under the state's existing retirement statutes for public education employees.

Maddy summaryHB 7283 allows appointed estate administrators or executors to access a decedent's bank funds without fees by requesting them directly from financial institutions. To do this, they must provide proof of their appointment and personal identification, and the funds must be released the same day. The bill directly affects estate representatives managing decedent assets and financial institutions holding those funds. It removes the previous cost barrier for accessing these funds, streamlining the estate settlement process. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 30, 2026, as "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution" in Rhode Island. It commemorates Fred Korematsu, who challenged the WWII internment of Japanese Americans, and encourages Rhode Islanders to reflect on civil liberties and constitutional rights. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely commemorative, recognizing Korematsu's legacy and promoting civic education through an upcoming public event. It was passed by the Rhode Island House on January 29, 2026.