HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONGRATULATIONS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Blazejewski and 1 co-sponsor

The bill formally congratulates a wide range of Rhode Island individuals and groups on milestone events and achievements, requesting inscribed citations.

04/14/2026 House read and passed

Overview

Type: House Resolution (HR)

Title: Expressing Congratulations

Session: 2026

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island

Introduced: April 14, 2026

Sponsors: Representatives Blazejewski (principal) and Chippendale; co-sponsor: Mike Chippendale, Chris Blazejewski

Status: Read and passed by the House on April 14, 2026

Purpose: To publicly commend a long list of individuals, groups, and organizations for significant personal milestones, achievements, and service; and to request inscription of citations from the Secretary of State.

Main Purpose and Intent

The bill expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives’ congratulations and best wishes to a broad array of people and organizations on notable occasions, including:

65th and 70th birthdays of numerous individuals
50th wedding anniversaries
Retirement appreciations
Recognitions of military service and promotions
Notable community, school, and youth program achievements
Organizational anniversaries and milestones

It also recognizes several local government and nonprofit contributions (e.g., schools, police departments, youth organizations, and community groups).

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal expressions of congratulations are extended to named individuals and groups.

The resolution:

Lists the names of honorees and the specific celebratory occasion (e.g., birthday milestones, anniversaries, promotions, retirements, competitive achievements).
Includes a long block of community and organizational recognitions (schools, clubs, athletic teams, and public service personnel).
States that the House wishes them continued good fortune.

Administrative action:

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a properly inscribed citation to each honoree.

Who or What Would Be Affected

Individuals:

A large number of Rhode Island residents (e.g., those celebrating 65th and 70th birthdays, 50th anniversaries, and other milestone dates), retirees, and honorees.

Organizations and entities:

Del Alma Dance Company
Warwick Area Career and Technical Center and related ProStart/culinary competitions awardees
Woonsocket Police Department personnel being promoted
Rhode Island Army/National Guard personnel (Ring of Honor inductees)
Local high schools and athletic programs (track and basketball achievements)
Newport and Pawtucket Boys & Girls Clubs
Various community groups and sponsors

Governmental and ceremonial impact:

Provides formal, ceremonial recognition without creating legal rights or obligations beyond the symbolic citation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and action:

Introduced and acted upon in the Rhode Island House during the January 2026 session, with the House immediately referred to “read and passed.”

Next steps:

The Secretary of State is requested to issue and transmit a citation to each honoree.

Notable: The bill is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution typical of expressions of congratulations rather than substantive policy changes.

Remarks

This HR functions as a commemorative gesture, celebrating diverse achievements and service across the community, including birthday milestones, anniversaries, retirements, promotions, athletic championships, and organizational milestones.

No fiscal impact or enforceable policy changes are anticipated from this type of resolution. The primary effect is formal recognition and goodwill.

Bill