Rep. Deb Fellela

Maddy summaryHB 5049 removes a $5 registration fee and transfer charge for applicants seeking a special license plate honoring Bronze Star Medal recipients. The bill directly affects veterans who have received the U.S. Bronze Star Medal and wish to display the special plate on their vehicles. It amends existing law to eliminate the mandatory $5 fee while keeping all other plate design and eligibility rules unchanged. The change takes effect on January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law by the governor on June 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 6412) is a symbolic gesture celebrating Ida Lewis, a historic lighthouse keeper from Newport, Rhode Island, and her lifesaving legacy. It formally recognizes the National Lighthouse Museum’s awarding of the "Past Light Keeper Award" to honor Lewis’s heroic rescues (credited with saving 18 lives) and her role as the first woman to receive the U.S. Gold Lifesaving Medal. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House on June 12, 2025, has no binding policy effects - it merely expresses legislative support for the museum’s commemoration. It directly honors Lewis’s historical contributions to Rhode Island’s maritime heritage, not specific individuals or communities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' gratitude to the state's 25 community newspapers for their role in local journalism. It formally thanks these publications - such as the Warren Times-Gazette (est. 1826) and Newport Daily News (est. 1846) - for serving as "local watchdogs" covering government and community issues. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to each newspaper publisher. No new laws, funding, or policy changes are enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Frank A. Karpinski for retiring after 31 years of service in Rhode Island's Office of the General Treasurer, specifically recognizing his leadership of the Employees' Retirement System (ERSRI). It acknowledges his role in modernizing retirement systems, guiding ERSRI through financial reforms, and his national expertise in public pension administration. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Karpinski. It does not create new laws or affect any stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally celebrates the 240th Bristol Fourth of July Celebration, recognizing it as the oldest continuous Fourth of July event in the U.S. (since 1785). It honors the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, volunteers, and specific individuals like the General Chair and parade marshal by directing the Secretary of State to send them certified copies. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, with no new laws or funding. It directly affects the committee members and volunteers involved in organizing the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes June 12, 2025, as "Cox Impact Day" in Rhode Island. It honors Cox Communications for its community philanthropy, including over $11 million in grants for youth STEAM programs and support in areas like environment, education, and diversity. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply declares a date to acknowledge Cox's charitable work and thanks the company. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations.

References both the declaration and bylaws of a condominium association as possible sources of association insurance regulation for the condominiums and require additional insurance to protect unit owners, when necessary.

Maddy summaryHB 5263 requires firearm owners to store guns securely in locked containers or with safety devices to prevent unauthorized access, primarily affecting individuals storing firearms on their premises. It imposes tiered penalties: civil fines up to $250 for first offenses, increasing to potential jail time for repeat violations, with stricter criminal charges if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes harm. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce gun rights or infringe on privacy without a warrant. The legislation amends the bill's title to reference "Dillon's Law" (a term related to municipal authority), but does not alter the underlying storage requirements. It applies to all firearm owners in the jurisdiction, with specific provisions for cases involving children or prohibited persons.

Maddy summaryHB 5637 updates the state's Credit Card Crime Act to explicitly include "debit cards" under the definition of cards covered by fraud statutes. This change means individuals who fraudulently use, forge, or obtain goods/services with stolen or expired debit cards will now face the same criminal penalties as those committing credit card fraud. The law expands the scope of existing penalties (including a $100 six-month threshold for misdemeanor charges) to cover debit card fraud, which was previously not explicitly addressed. This directly affects individuals committing debit card fraud and ensures consistent legal treatment for both debit and credit card fraud.

Allows the Honorable Thomas J. Paolino to join Mariah Marie Paolino and Conner Joseph Gerlach in marriage on or about June 13, 2025, within the Town of Lincoln, Rhode Island.