Rep. Raymond Hull

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives to express condolences on the passing of former state representative Joseph M. Lima. It honors his legacy as a longtime Providence community leader, Portuguese-American advocate, and legislator who served from 1977 to 1984, championing initiatives like eliminating the clothing tax and establishing the Rhode Island Day of Portugal. The resolution formally extends sympathy to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his wife, Teresa Lima, and family. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact any policy changes or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5004) expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of Bishop Emeritus Louis E. Gelineau, the former Bishop of Providence. It honors his 25-year service as Bishop, his establishment of the permanent diaconate, his outreach initiatives like the Providence-Haiti project, and his recognition as "The People’s Bishop." The resolution formally declares the House's deepest condolences and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Diocese of Providence. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5001) is a ceremonial gesture celebrating "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" on January 9, 2025, specifically within Rhode Island. It urges all citizens to show appreciation by wearing blue clothing, writing letters to officers, and participating in the annual Blue Blood Drive (January 1-14). The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. As a symbolic measure with no new laws or funding, it does not impose obligations but encourages public recognition of law enforcement service.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands a tax exemption for redevelopment projects to include the city of Central Falls, joining Providence and Pawtucket in this benefit. Under the new rule, real property acquired by redevelopment agencies in Central Falls will not be taxed unless the city council specifically passes an ordinance to allow it. This change applies immediately upon the bill's passage and affects only the specific real estate projects designated for redevelopment within the city.

Maddy summaryHB 8094 temporarily waives Rhode Island's requirement that half of the grain servings in public school meals be whole grain. This change applies to all elementary, middle, and high schools for a two-year period ending on August 29, 2026, allowing schools to serve grains that do not meet the whole grain standard while still receiving federal reimbursement. The bill also mandates that school administrators report the number of meals served under this waiver to state officials by September 1, 2026. While the state's usual health standards for competitive foods remain in place, this specific provision relaxes the whole grain rule to provide schools with more flexibility in their meal planning during the specified timeframe.

Requires hosting platforms offering short-term rental of residential property for tourist or transient use to disclose on listings the current, valid registration number and its expiration date.

Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island state law to exempt the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Inc. from paying registration fees for its motor vehicles and trailers. By adding this organization to a list of existing exempt entities, the legislation ensures that nonprofit groups providing emergency medical and rescue services do not incur these costs. The change applies only to the specific vehicles owned by the team and does not alter the fee structure for other vehicle owners. The act is set to become effective one year after it is signed into law.

Creates a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal. This act would not apply to assistance/service animals.

Implements a grant program to fund public or private partnerships that provide opportunities for healthcare paraprofessionals to pursue higher education degrees and health professional licensure.