Rep. June Speakman

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 28, 2025. It expresses condolences to the family of Anthony V. Arico, a former Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation and longtime public servant. The resolution formally recognizes his 30-year career in state government, military service, and decades of community involvement in Barrington. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Joan G. Arico. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring George Nee upon his retirement as President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. It formally recognizes his 40-year career in labor advocacy, including his leadership building the union to 80,000 members and his work organizing workers and influencing policy. The resolution, passed by the House on January 28, 2025, expresses gratitude for his contributions to Rhode Island workers and directs the Secretary of State to send him a certified copy. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 5064), not a substantive bill. It formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to the family of Joseph Michael Downey following his passing. The resolution recognizes his career as a state plumber, labor leader (serving as AFSCME Council 94 President), and community volunteer. The House directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Mrs. Claudette Downey, his wife.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5062) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of John E. Faria, a former Bristol Town Council President, state senator, and community leader. It directly honors his family, including his wife Patricia Pastore and descendants. The resolution formally extends "deepest condolences" and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family. As a procedural resolution, it contains no policy changes or affected programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends House rules to prohibit specific single-use plastics on the House floor and in official House proceedings spaces (like committee rooms) during 2023-2024. It bans plastic plates, cutlery, straws, beverage containers, single-use drinkware, and polystyrene foam containers, except when required for safety, health, or emergencies. The rule directly affects House members, staff, and visitors using House facilities. It focuses on internal House operations rather than public policy, aiming to reduce plastic waste in congressional settings. The change is procedural, not a law affecting the public.

Authorizes the Speaker and the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus to request equity impact statements on up to five (5) proposed bills.

Requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients for public assistance and creates a pilot program for out of hospital service upon expiration of similar federal program.

Enacts the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances of PFAS in products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.

Would extend the reporting and expiration dates, and amend the commission’s purpose to include glass and aluminum products, and increase the membership to twenty (20), and would report back by April 25, 2025, and expire on April 30, 2025.

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.