Sen. Val Lawson

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2514) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Thomas Joseph Holland. It directly affects Holland's three daughters - Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff - by authorizing the Secretary of State to send them certified copies of the resolution. The resolution details Holland’s life, including his 55-year marriage, career in sales/marketing, retirement activities, and later involvement with the Secular Franciscan Order. No policy changes or funding are involved; it is a ceremonial expression of sympathy. The Senate passed it unanimously on February 10, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2070) formally honors Kathy Nadeau upon her retirement after 33 years of public service with the State of Rhode Island, including her role as RIPTA's Chief of Human Resources. It recognizes her work modernizing HR operations, addressing bus driver shortages through training and wage initiatives, and serving on the Joint Pension Board. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Ms. Nadeau. Passed by the Senate on January 15, 2026, it commemorates her career without creating new laws or affecting any stakeholders.

Extends reporting and expiration dates of commission studying RI's Healthcare Workforce Relating to Educating and Retaining Primary Care Physicians and a Medical School at URI from January 2, 2026, to March 1, 2026, and expires on June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2008) expressing condolences to the family of Ashbel Tingley Wall II, former Director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, following his passing. It honors his 30+ year career in corrections, including his leadership as the state's longest-serving Corrections Director and his initiatives like medication-assisted treatment programs and inmate service dog training. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Rhode Island Senate on January 8, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to his family.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2003), not a policy bill. It expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences to the family of Mary D. Burke following her passing. The resolution formally extends sympathy to her spouse (deceased), children (including Senator John Burke and others), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It does not create any new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 2005) expressing condolences for Arthur Armand Coia, a former president of the Laborers International Union (LIUNA), following his passing. The resolution honors his life, career in labor advocacy, family, and community contributions through its detailed "WHEREAS" statements. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his family. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes, solely serving as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2004) expressing condolences to the family of David R. Carlin, Jr., a former Rhode Island State Senate Majority Leader and longtime public servant. The resolution honors his career as an educator, state senator, author, and community leader, including his service as Senate Majority Leader (1988-1990) and his 40+ years teaching at the Community College of Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his widow, Maureen Carlin. As a commemorative resolution with no policy provisions, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 2006) expressing the Rhode Island Senate's condolences upon the passing of Judge Frank Caprio. It commemorates his life, legacy as a judge and television personality, community service, and family, while extending "deepest sympathy" to his family. The resolution formally directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Judge Caprio's widow, Joyce Caprio. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2007) expresses the Rhode Island Senate's condolences on the passing of Edward Catone, Jr., a Pawtucket resident and former Superintendent of Sewers & Sanitation. It honors his 65-year marriage, 25 years of public service, and his military service in the U.S. Air Force. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his sons, Edward R. Catone and Marc Catone. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors victims Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, who died in the December 2025 Brown University shooting, and commends first responders including Providence firefighters, police, and medical staff for their actions during the incident. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the tragedy and the bravery of those who assisted victims. The resolution was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on January 6, 2026, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the victims' families and relevant officials. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on future legislation or funding.