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HR 5481

HOUSE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING PATRICE WOOD'S 45TH ANNIVERSARY WORKING AS A DISTINGUISHED JOURNALIST SERVING THE RHODE ISLAND AND GREATER NEW ENGLAND COMMUNITY

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island lawmakers honor Patrice Wood's 45-year career at WJAR NBC 10 with a ceremonial resolution recognizing her journalism and foster-care advocacy (Tuesday's Child).

02/12/2025 House read and passed
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Bill Summary · HR 5481

Summary of HR 5481 — House Resolution Celebrating Patrice Wood’s 45th Anniversary at WJAR NBC 10

Purpose

HR 5481 is a ceremonial House Resolution from the Rhode Island General Assembly celebrating Patrice Wood for 45 years of service as a journalist with WJAR NBC 10. The resolution praises her professionalism, contributions to the Rhode Island and Greater New England community, and her advocacy on behalf of children in foster care.

What the resolution does

  • Proclaims, in formal terms, Patrice Wood’s 45th anniversary with WJAR NBC 10 (completed February 4, 2025).
  • Highlights her career milestones, leadership roles, and long-standing presence as a trusted news anchor in Rhode Island.
  • Acknowledges her service as education reporter and the impact of her Tuesday’s Child specials, including a reported 60% adoption match rate for featured children.
  • Lists recognitions and honors received, such as membership in Rhode Island heritage and media halls of fame, the Silver Circle Award from the New England chapter of NATAS, and the Angels in Adoption Award for foster care advocacy.
  • Encourages broader recognition of her contributions to journalism and to the welfare of children in foster care.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Patrice Wood.

Background and significance

  • Patrice Wood’s career timeline emphasized in the resolution:
    • Education: B.S. in Journalism from Bowling Green State University.
    • Early work: WDHO-TV in Toledo; internships with ABC News, U.S. House of Representatives, Time Magazine.
    • WJAR NBC 10: Joined February 1980; progressed from street reporter to anchor (1988: 5:30 p.m.; 1995: added 5:00 p.m.; 1997: 6:00 p.m. newscasts).
    • Roles: Longest-serving female newscaster in Rhode Island history; education reporter; notable interviews with high-profile figures.
  • Emphasizes community impact beyond journalism, notably foster care advocacy through Tuesday’s Child.

Procedural/timeline details

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025.
  • Referred to the House Committee (per version content): Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • Status: Reported as “House read and passed” on February 12, 2025.
  • Effect: As a resolution, it is ceremonial and does not create or amend law; it serves to acknowledge and honor an individual and to highlight contributions to the community.

Potential impact

  • Raises public recognition of Patrice Wood’s journalistic career and community service.
  • May increase public awareness of foster care advocacy efforts in Rhode Island.
  • Carries no fiscal or regulatory changes; primarily symbolic and commemorative.

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

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