Rep. Alex Finkelman

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Quonset Development Corporation from approving or operating thermal waste conversion facilities, such as pyrolysis plants, within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park. The law defines these facilities as those that use high heat to turn solid waste or biomass into fuels, energy, or chemicals and applies to all land managed by the corporation. It includes a "sunset clause" that will automatically end the prohibition on February 1, 2027, allowing such facilities to be considered again after that date. Additionally, the bill protects any projects that were already lawfully started before it takes effect from being shut down immediately.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr. for his distinguished service to the people of Rhode Island and specifically thanks him for his work on behalf of the citizens of Warwick. The document highlights his legislative achievements, which include sponsoring laws to address physician shortages, modernize banking taxes, support affordable housing, and protect seniors from financial exploitation. It also notes his advocacy for animal welfare, small business development, and public safety measures such as suicide barriers on bay bridges. Finally, the resolution extends its best wishes for his announced campaign for Attorney General and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the honor to Representative Solomon.

Proposes a bond measure to authorize the Town of Jamestown to issue up to three million dollars ($3,000,000) in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to support affordable housing projects in Jamestown.

Expands the requirement that all high schools and middle schools, whether they are publicly or privately run to maintain on site a functional AED while establishing and implementing a cardiac emergency response plan in these schools.

Maddy summaryHB 7114 permits schools to assign special community service as a disciplinary measure for students who bully others based on religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. This policy directly affects students who commit such bullying and school administrators implementing disciplinary actions. The key provision replaces traditional punishments (like suspension) with community service for these specific types of bullying incidents. The bill does not define bullying but offers an alternative consequence for violations targeting these protected characteristics. It is currently under review by the House Education committee.

Authorizes the administration of the division of motor vehicles to make available special license plates for the Rhode Island Manufacture Association.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution officially designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month within the state. The measure highlights the historical and cultural contributions of Jewish Americans to Rhode Island, including their roles in the economy, education, healthcare, and public service. It encourages residents to observe the month with ceremonies and educational programs while directing the Secretary of State to share copies of the resolution with relevant community leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the second week of May 2026 as "Lung Cancer Action Week" throughout Rhode Island to raise awareness about lung cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. It directly affects Rhode Island residents by encouraging educational activities focused on early detection methods, such as low-dose CT scans, and highlighting risks for specific groups like veterans and non-smokers. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote public understanding of the disease. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Lung Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that celebrates the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, a Rhode Island organization founded in 1866 to support children and families. It formally recognizes the group's long history of providing services such as early childhood education, foster care, and housing assistance, while also honoring its staff and volunteers. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the organization's leadership as a mark of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 8390 amends Rhode Island's sales and use tax laws to exempt parking fees for municipally operated beach parking in the town of Middletown from taxation. The bill also updates the definition of taxable services to include various transportation options, pet care, and security services while clarifying tax responsibilities for hotel room resellers and bundled travel packages. By explicitly excluding Middletown's beach parking from the general definition of taxable parking services, the legislation directly affects local businesses and residents in that specific area. This change ensures that only privately operated or non-municipal parking facilities remain subject to the standard sales tax on parking fees.