Sen. Sam Bell

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 81) expressing condolences to the family of Joseph A. Gilmartin, a former North Kingstown history teacher and championship high school football coach. It honors his career in education, coaching achievements (including leading North Kingstown High School to three consecutive Division II titles), and his community impact. The resolution has no policy provisions or financial impact; it simply formally expresses the Senate's sympathy and directs certified copies to his wife, children, and family members. As a commemorative resolution, it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 77), not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Joseph B. Goho, Superintendent of the North Providence Public Schools Department, for being named "2025 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year" by the Rhode Island Superintendents Association. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of his leadership, including securing $200 million in school construction bonds and improving student achievement. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Mr. Goho. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a policy bill. It designates January 19-25, 2025, as "Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week" in Rhode Island to recognize CRNAs' contributions. The resolution formally acknowledges CRNAs' role in providing anesthesia care across all healthcare settings, including rural areas and military medicine. The Senate passed it to express appreciation for their work, with a copy sent to the Rhode Island Association of Nurse Anesthetists (RIANA). No new laws or regulations are created by this resolution.

Maddy summarySR 80 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing the Lunar New Year celebration for "The Year of the Wood Snake" on January 29, 2025. It formally acknowledges this cultural observance and expresses appreciation to Rhode Island's Asian community for contributions to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 79) celebrating "Physician Anesthesiologists Week" in Rhode Island from January 26 to February 1, 2025. It formally recognizes physician anesthesiologists for their role in patient safety during surgeries, labor, pain management, and care for veterans, highlighting their extensive training and the "Anesthesia Care Team" model. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, with no new laws or policy changes enacted.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 6) expressing the Rhode Island Senate's condolences on the passing of former Senator James S. D'Ambra. It formally honors his 16-year service in the state Senate, his education career, and his community contributions, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to his widow, Laureen D'Ambra, and his children. The resolution has no policy provisions or impact on laws or regulations - it is purely a symbolic gesture of respect for the deceased legislator and his family.

Exempts the Downtown Overlay District from the provisions of this section allowing for the city of Woonsocket shall, after application, to have the authority to exempt from the provisions of this section any proposed retailers' license of any class.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Rhode Island to use existing funds to pay five specific claims totaling approximately $5,000. The legislation covers vehicle damage caused by roadway defects and debris, as well as property damage resulting from a police search warrant execution. Each claim is linked to a specific incident involving a named individual and a designated state legislator who introduced the request. The funds are drawn from the state treasury for the 2024-2025 fiscal year without requiring additional budget approval.

Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.

Creates a 13-member joint commission to study the transportation needs of students and recommend what changes are necessary, and who would report back to the General Assembly by April 16, 2025, and expire on May 27, 2025.