Rep. Mike Chippendale

Maddy summaryHB 5690 would repeal Chapter 45-53 of Rhode Island's General Laws, titled "Low and Moderate Income Housing." This repeal would eliminate the existing legal framework requiring cities and towns to plan for and provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents. The law previously mandated municipalities to adopt housing plans meeting specific affordability targets and included detailed definitions for terms like "affordable housing" and "local review board." This bill directly affects all Rhode Island cities and towns that previously operated under this housing chapter.

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

Maddy summaryHR 6154 is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill. It proclaims April 2025 as "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. The resolution encourages Rhode Islanders to learn about issues affecting people with limb loss or limb difference, support affected individuals and caregivers, and honor veterans who have experienced limb loss. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Amputee Coalition and the National Limb Loss Resource Center. This resolution has no binding effect but aims to raise public awareness.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 6152), not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates the University of Rhode Island's Talent Development Program for reaching 5,000 graduates by 2025. The resolution recognizes the program's 58-year history of supporting disadvantaged Rhode Island students - particularly students of color - with admission, academic support, and retention (83.6% first-year retention rate). It specifically acknowledges key program staff, including Director Gerald R. Williams and Senior Academic Advisor Edward "Ted" Shear, but does not create new policies, funding, or direct legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution celebrating "URI Day" at the Rhode Island State House on April 1, 2025. It formally recognizes the University of Rhode Island (URI) for its role as a research university and economic contributor, highlighting its educational programs and partnerships. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to URI's president but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It affects URI by publicly honoring its contributions, with no direct impact on state residents or policy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 171st anniversary of the 1854 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity by designating March 31 (the treaty’s signing date) as "Japan Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Rhode Island’s historical ties to Japan, including Commodore Matthew Perry’s Newport roots, the Newport-Shimoda sister city relationship, and cultural exchanges like the Black Ships Festival. The resolution also recognizes current economic and diplomatic connections, noting Japanese companies employ 2,300 Rhode Islanders and contribute $182 million in annual exports. It directs the Secretary of State to share the resolution with state officials, federal representatives, and the Japanese Consul General in Boston.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 restricts utility-scale solar projects (10 MW or larger) to locations on developed urban land, commercial properties, rooftops, or parking lots - banning development on forested land, farmland, or rural areas over one acre. It directly affects solar developers and landowners seeking to build large solar installations on undeveloped rural properties. The bill amends zoning laws to require that such projects serve existing developed areas rather than open rural landscapes. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.

Requires the public utilities commission to produce a report each January containing an analysis of the electric grid and its ability to supply the electricity needs to power cars, buildings and heat homes within the state.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6142) formally commemorates a March 27, 2025, flag-raising ceremony celebrating "La Francophonie" (the global French-speaking community) at the Rhode Island State House. It recognizes Rhode Island's French-speaking population (over 124,000 residents, including 9,500 fluent speakers) and the cultural contributions of French language and heritage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Alliance Française de Providence, which promotes French culture in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but publicly acknowledges cultural ties.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 6144) celebrating Leona P. Marchand's 100th birthday on March 30, 2025. It formally recognizes her life and contributions, noting her birth in 1925, marriage, 25+ years of work at Ann & Hope and Central Falls Public Schools, and retirement hobbies. The resolution directs Rhode Island's Secretary of State to send Leona a certified copy of the resolution. As a commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, it does not impact laws, funding, or specific groups beyond honoring an individual.