Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryHB 5191 designates rhythm and blues (defined as music blending pop, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic elements) as the state's official music. This is a symbolic, procedural bill with no direct policy impact on residents, government operations, or regulations. It amends the state's "State Emblems" section to include this musical genre, following standard ceremonial designations like state flowers or songs. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage but is currently under review by the committee.

Authorizes and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including state highways.

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5242) expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences to Friedrich St. Florian’s family following his death. It specifically directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his wife, Livia St. Florian, and their children and grandchildren. The resolution commemorates St. Florian’s life as a renowned architect, educator at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and designer of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. It has no policy impact beyond formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryHR 5241 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives expressing condolences for the death of Richmond Police Sergeant Michael W. Lawing, a U.S. Marine veteran and dedicated officer who led the department's K-9 program and body camera implementation. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Lawing's family, including his wife Caitlyn and three children. This procedural bill does not create policy changes but formally honors his service and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 5237), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Kathleen A. Brown on her retirement after 40 years of service as an Office Systems Coordinator in the Rhode Island General Assembly's Legislative Data department. The resolution expresses the House's appreciation for her work managing schedules, budgets, and data systems, and acknowledges her contributions to the legislative environment. It has no policy impact and solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 5089 amends Rhode Island law to expand the definition of "houseboat" to include both motorized and non-motorized vessels. This change updates existing harbor regulations in coastal towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton), allowing them to regulate all types of houseboats under their local harbor management ordinances. Towns gain authority to set rules for houseboat size, location, mooring, and safety standards in public waters. The bill directly affects local harbor authorities and residents using houseboats in these communities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) celebrating "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in Rhode Island from January 29-February 4, 2025. It formally recognizes physician anesthesiologists for their role in patient safety during surgery, labor, pain management, and care for Veterans, without creating new policies or affecting anyone through legal requirements. The resolution urges citizens to acknowledge their work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. It passed the Rhode Island House on January 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5190 updates the definition of "houseboat" to include motorized and non-motorized vessels (like platforms, waterborne hotels, or restaurants) used primarily as residences, not for transportation. This means houseboats registered or unregistered - whether floating or fixed - will now be taxed as personal property by local tax assessors. The bill also grants specific towns (Bristol, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and Tiverton) authority to regulate non-self-propelled houseboats, including setting mooring fees, enforcing location rules, and imposing fines up to $100 for violations. These changes clarify existing tax treatment and local regulatory powers for houseboat residents and waterfront management.

Maddy summaryHR 5057 is a procedural resolution expressing condolences for Joseph A. Gilmartin, a former North Kingstown history teacher and championship high school football coach in Rhode Island. The resolution, passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, formally mourns his passing and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his wife, children, and siblings. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is solely a commemorative gesture honoring his contributions to education and athletics. The bill directly affects the Gilmartin family by providing official recognition of their loss.