Rep. Matthew Dawson

Maddy summaryHR 5008 is a procedural resolution limiting House members to introducing no more than 18 bills or resolutions per legislative session, excluding specific categories. It excludes city/town bills, corporate charter reinstatements, ceremonial resolutions, appropriations, and study commission-related bills. Members must file bills by February 16, 2025 (for the 2023-2024 session), with exceptions allowing up to three late introductions after that date under strict conditions. This rule applies to all members of the House of Representatives during the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution, not a substantive legislative bill. HR 5038 expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest condolences upon the passing of Judge Edward Clark Parker, who served on the State Traffic Tribunal for 30 years (retiring in 2022). The resolution honors his career, family, and community service, including his role as Deputy Attorney General and his 61-year membership at Pawtucket Country Club. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family. No policy changes or affected parties are involved.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. It commemorates his life, presidency, humanitarian work (including the Nobel Peace Prize), and family, without creating any new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution formally transmits a certified copy to his family, as is standard practice for such commemorative gestures. It has no substantive policy impact or direct effect on constituents or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed HR 5003 on January 9, 2025, to express condolences to the Phillips family following the death of Timothy R. Phillips. The resolution honors Timothy, who was the son of Representative Robert Phillips and a devoted father, employee, and community member, but does not create any new laws or policies. It serves solely as a formal expression of sympathy to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of Rhode Island family court magistrates to hear and decide contested divorce cases, which were previously handled only by judges. Under the new provisions, magistrates can conduct full trials, take testimony, and issue final divorce decrees, while parties dissatisfied with a magistrate's ruling retain the right to have it reviewed by a justice of the family court. The law applies retroactively to all divorce cases that were pending or filed after the bill becomes effective.

Creates the Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protect Act for data privacy protections for the personal data of the citizens of Rhode Island.

Repeals the provision setting a different timeline for reimbursement of East Providence for the FY 2025, and would bring East Providence in line with other municipalities in the timing of reimbursements.

Increases the maximum post retirement employment earnings from eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) a year for certain retired educators.

Provides the state's share of the basic program and approved expenditures would be paid to the city of East Providence in twelve (12) monthly installments.

Requires the chief resilience officer (CRO) be charged with creation/maintenance/updating of the state's resiliency/recovery program along with climate change resiliency plan with ocean/riverine coasts resilience advisory board.