Rep. Alex Finkelman

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 5148) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' condolences upon the passing of Sylvia "Siggy" Weber, a 85-year-old psychiatric nurse, veteran (Air Force/Army Reserves), and community leader. It honors her 50-year career in psychiatric nursing, advocacy for environmental justice, and leadership in the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, while extending sympathy to her family (daughters Ilene Schulenberger and Susan Tashian, and sister Estelle Beckerman). The resolution, passed on January 23, 2025, has no policy provisions and serves solely as a ceremonial tribute. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Weber’s family members.

Provides that any person admitted to the House floor dress in an appropriate manner and would further require male members to wear a coat and tie and require dignified dress for female members.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Rhode Island House of Representatives' condolences on the passing of Anthony M. Zainyeh, a former Rhode Island Department of Taxation employee. It specifically honors his 42-year career, his service as President of Council 94, and his family, including his son George Zainyeh (a former state representative) and daughter Diane Zainyeh. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the surviving family members. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations.

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 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 amends state zoning laws to clarify how cities and towns calculate floor area ratios for development projects. Specifically, it mandates that the area of a basement must be excluded from these calculations, allowing more usable space above ground without increasing the official density limit of a building. The change directly affects local municipalities and developers by providing a clearer standard for measuring building size in zoning ordinances. By removing basements from the ratio formula, the legislation aims to simplify the planning process while maintaining control over overall development intensity.

Relocates the chapter relating to licensing of massage therapists from the health and safety title to the businesses and professions title with multiple amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 7020 establishes the Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act to increase reporting on arts education at Rhode Island's public middle and high schools. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, schools must include data on student enrollment percentages and the number of available courses in dance, music, theater, and visual arts on their annual report cards. The bill also allows the state education department to hire arts curriculum coordinators to assist schools with these requirements and mandates that high schools start submitting student portfolios demonstrating arts proficiency by the 2026-27 school year.

Requires all health care facilities to provide functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and least one person who is properly trained in the operation and use of an AED.

Amends outdated provisions of the banking statutes and the home loan protection act, adds consumer protections, including minimum capital requirements and limits on investments, for currency transmitters, including crypto currency.