Rep. Katie Kazarian

Maddy summaryHB 5926 creates a legal cause of action allowing pet owners to sue for intentional or negligent injury or death of their domestic dog or cat (defined as a pet kept in or near the household). It sets minimum compensation of $500 for serious injury and $750 for death, with a maximum cap of $7,500 for noneconomic damages like loss of companionship. The law applies only when the incident occurs on the owner's property or under their direct supervision. It excludes government entities acting in public health or animal welfare roles and does not cover veterinary costs or other claims.

Provides for a residency requirement of at least six (6) months rather than one year for the Rhode Island family court to have jurisdiction over a divorce complaint.

Maddy summaryThis is a House resolution (not a law) requesting the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to conduct a waste audit of the State House, develop waste reduction recommendations, and report by January 5, 2026. It also directs the Joint Committee on Legislative Services and the Division of Capital Asset Management to investigate installing water filling stations and electric car chargers in the State House parking lots to reduce plastic bottle use and support climate goals. The resolution formally asks these agencies to report their findings back to the House by the same deadline. As a procedural request, it does not create new laws but seeks specific actions for state building operations.

Establishes "The Children's Cardiac Safety Act", and provide for childhood cardiac screening based on modules that incorporate current best practices.

Amends the definition of public works so that it would include any public works projects performed for any city or town or quasi-municipal entity and the state and any quasi-state entity.

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 7-14, 2025, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" in Rhode Island, urging residents to recognize the prevalence of congenital heart defects in infants (affecting roughly 1 in 110 births) and support medical efforts. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly impact specific groups - it serves as a symbolic observance to raise public awareness about this health issue.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 5325) passed on February 6, 2025, extending the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences on the passing of Gloria Messerlian. It honors her life as a devoted wife, mother, and community member, highlighting her long marriage, family, faith, and role in founding Baxter’s Jewelry. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to her family members, including her children Lisa Abbott and Paul Messerlian. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond expressing collective respect for her passing.

2022) (Implements technical corrections to the transition rules for transactions governed by 2024 Public Laws Chapters 65 and 66 regarding security interests in emerging technologies.

Bans the sale of parrots at pet stores from a breeder or broker. The pet store may sell parrots obtained from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations. The sale would also be prohibited at any outdoor markets or retail parking lots.