Rep. Alex Finkelman

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution recognizes the 77th Anniversary of Israel's Day of Independence, observed from April 30th to May 1st, 2025. It also reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Rhode Island, the United States, and the State of Israel.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands educational benefits for members of the Rhode Island National Guard and their immediate family dependents. It allows National Guard members in good standing to allocate their tuition assistance benefits, which cover up to five courses per semester, to their dependents for use at Rhode Island state colleges or universities. To receive these benefits, both the National Guard member must remain in good standing with the Guard, and the student (member or dependent) must be in good academic standing. Participants agree to one year of additional service in the National Guard for every twelve course credits received, with provisions for repayment if service obligations or academic requirements are not met.

Effective 7/1/2026, the state lottery division of gaming stops renewing any existing sports wagering vendor contract. Prior to the expiration of any existing contracts the division shall issue an open invitation for applicants for sports wagering vendors.

Maddy summaryHB 5203 directs the Department of Education and the Office of Energy Resources to develop new regulations for school buildings. These regulations will require all school buildings to meet a "zero energy capable" standard by December 31, 2037, with the regulations themselves to be adopted by June 30, 2026. The bill ensures that local education agencies have flexibility to pursue state and federal funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy systems without losing state housing aid. It also mandates guidance for school districts to build, own, and operate solar panels using federal incentives.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution proclaims Monday, April 28, 2025, as "Pay It Forward With Love From Tori Day" in the State of Rhode Island. It encourages all citizens to observe this day by engaging in activities and acts of kindness that demonstrate and celebrate selfless giving.

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

Maddy summaryHB 5766 proposes to reinstate cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for individuals receiving retirement benefits from the state retirement system. These adjustments would become payable to retirees and beneficiaries under a specific condition. The bill's key mechanism specifies that COLAs will be granted only when the retirement system's annual investment return exceeds ten percent.

Allows retired election officials to work for the state board of elections on a temporary basis in any year in which a statewide, congressional or referendum general election is held.

Amends the pension benefits for both current and former Rhode Island state police members, and would extend the time period a member may serve in the Rhode Island state police.

Requires a member of the public to pay any outstanding balances due and owing for previous requests before being provided copies of records and documents on a new request from law enforcement agencies.