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HR 8440

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RAYMOND A. CHOINIERE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Casey and 9 co-sponsors

The bill formally expresses the Rhode Island House’s condolences and honors Raymond A. Choiniere for his lifelong service, teaching, public work, and community impact.

04/14/2026 House read and passed
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Bill Summary · HR 8440

Summary of Bill HR 8440 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Bill at a Glance

  • Type: House Resolution (H.R.)
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: House Resolution Expressing Condolences on the Passing of Raymond A. Choiniere
  • Introduced By / Sponsors: Reps. Shekarchi, Kazarian, Solomon, Chippendale, Casey, McNamara, Slater, Kennedy, Edwards, Fogarty; with co-sponsors listed
  • Introduced Date: April 14, 2026
  • Status: Read and passed by the Rhode Island House on April 14, 2026

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose of HR 8440 is to formally express the Rhode Island House of Representatives’ condolences on the passing of Raymond A. Choiniere (died April 8, 2026, at age 85) and to recognize his life, service, and impact on the community.

Key Provisions

  • Condolence Resolution: The measure expresses the House’s deepest condolences and honors Mr. Choiniere’s life of service, dedication, and compassion.
  • Biographical Acknowledgments: The resolution provides a summary of Mr. Choiniere’s life, including:
    • Birth: October 1, 1940, in Providence
    • Education: Providence College (BA in History, 1963); University of Rhode Island (Master’s in Counseling)
    • Career: History teacher and guidance counselor at Wickford Middle School; policy analyst in the Office of the Rhode Island Speaker of the House (retired 2012)
    • Athletics: Notable early life as an all-state athlete; baseball at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School and Providence College; Cape Cod League experience with Harwich Mariners; tryout with the Boston Red Sox
    • Community Involvement: Coached youth sports, organized educational trips, active in political volunteerism and campaigns; delegate to the 1976 Democratic National Convention
    • Personal life: Married to Elizabeth Dunnigan Choiniere for over 58 years; family including daughters Monique and Nicole, grandson Liam
  • Authority to Transmit: The resolution directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the Choiniere family.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Individual Affected: Raymond A. Choiniere (deceased)
  • Indirect Beneficiaries: Family, friends, colleagues, and the broader Rhode Island community who honor his memory and contributions

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introductory Action: Introduced in the Rhode Island House on April 14, 2026
  • Referral and Action: Referred to the House, read, and passed on the same day (April 14, 2026)
  • Next Steps: The Secretary of State will issue a certified copy of the resolution to the family

Impact and Significance

  • This is a ceremonial and commemorative measure rather than substantive policy change.
  • It formally recognizes Mr. Choiniere’s multifaceted impact as an educator, public servant, athlete, and community volunteer.
  • Serves to publicly memorialize and honor his contributions to education, local public life, and Rhode Island communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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