Rep. Mike Chippendale

Maddy summaryThis resolution celebrates the Seabees' 83rd anniversary on March 5, 2025, recognizing their historical service since 1942. It honors their WWII contributions, including building overseas bases under combat conditions, and their ongoing role in military conflicts. The resolution directs Rhode Island’s Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Navy Commander Rear Admiral Bradley J. Andros. No new policies or funding are created; it is purely a ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of David DePetrillo, former Rhode Island State Tourism Director (1983-2008) and chairman of the Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation. It honors his 25-year career, including pioneering tourism marketing like the "Biggest Little State in the Union" campaign, and recognizes his national reputation as a tourism leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his widow, Jean DePetrillo, and family. It has no effect on policy, funding, or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology, but does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on residents. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition of colorectal cancer prevention efforts, referencing statistics about the disease's impact in Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryRhode Island's House of Representatives has passed HR 6023, a symbolic resolution proclaiming March 2025 as "Women's History Month" within the state. This resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific groups; it is a formal recognition of women's historical contributions. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to President Trump, Governor McKee, and Rhode Island's Congressional delegation. It aligns with the National Women's History Alliance's 2025 theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," but does not implement any policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 6025) commemorating the 50th anniversary of the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC). It formally recognizes SGAC's 50 years of work fostering relationships between government, businesses, and communities, promoting diversity, and mentoring government affairs professionals. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents - it solely offers formal commendation and encouragement for SGAC's nonpartisan contributions to state governance. The House passed it on March 4, 2025, as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryHB 5444 clarifies that drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted limit when approaching emergency vehicles, highway maintenance equipment, tow trucks, or roadside assistance vehicles displaying lights. This directly affects drivers traveling on roadways where these vehicles are operating, particularly in situations where lane changes aren't possible. The bill specifies that "slowing" means maintaining a speed 20 mph under the posted limit, rather than leaving the definition vague. It amends existing traffic law to provide a clear, measurable standard for driver behavior near roadside operations. The change aims to enhance safety for both workers and motorists.

Maddy summaryHB 5236 would increase the maximum local tax rate to 12% for certain federally supported housing properties. Specifically, it applies to residential properties in Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, Section 811 Supporting Housing for Persons with Disabilities, or project-based Section 8 housing that use an operating cost basis for federal reimbursement. This 12% rate would take effect January 1, 2026, replacing the current 8% maximum for these properties. The bill does not change existing tax rates but sets a higher cap for these specific federally assisted housing programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5879 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, including its "contemporary examples," for use by Rhode Island state agencies. It requires state agencies to apply this definition when evaluating whether discriminatory acts - such as those based on religion or country of origin - constitute antisemitic discrimination under existing fair employment laws. The bill also mandates that state personnel use this definition in anti-bias training and clarifies that it does not override First Amendment rights or conflict with federal or state discrimination laws. This definition will directly guide state agencies in reviewing and investigating discrimination claims involving antisemitism.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences upon the death of Judge Bruce Selya, a former U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the First Circuit. It formally honors his 40+ year judicial career, his service to Rhode Island, and his legacy as a respected jurist and community leader. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Judge Selya's family. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution expressing condolences to the family of Michael Charles Gerhardt, a former Rhode Island healthcare executive and community leader, following his death. The resolution cites his professional career (including roles at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI and nonprofit organizations), community service (on local boards and the Warren Land Trust), and personal life. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Gerhardt’s wife, two sons, and stepsons. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create policy changes or affect any specific group beyond the family receiving the expression of sympathy.