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SR 1078

SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING LAO NEW YEAR

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Senate designates Apr 14-16, 2025 to celebrate Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) and commends Lao Americans for culture, resilience, and contributions.

05/15/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 1078

Summary: Senate Resolution SR 1078 — Commemorating Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao)

Overview

Senate Resolution (SR) 1078 commemorates Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) and designates April 14–16, 2025, as a time to celebrate renewal, culture, and resilience within Rhode Island’s Lao American community. The resolution was introduced on May 15, 2025, and, on the same day, recommended for immediate consideration and subsequently read and passed by the Rhode Island Senate.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize Lao New Year as the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in Lao culture, marking renewal, purification, and hope for a prosperous future.
  • Honor the cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Lao Americans, particularly in Rhode Island, including the impact of displacement and diaspora following the 1975 Lao Civil War.
  • Provide a formal expression of best wishes to the Lao people during Pi Mai Lao.

Key Provisions

  • Proclamation: The Rhode Island Senate commends Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) and extends best wishes to the Lao community for health, prosperity, and joy.
  • Public Acknowledgment: Highlights traditional customs associated with Pi Mai Lao, such as ceremonial water pouring, Baci (Sou Khuan) ceremonies, almsgiving to monks, cleaning homes and temples, building sand stupas, and water-splashing celebrations.
  • Flags and Identity: Notes the existence of two Lao flags—historical Royal Kingdom of Laos flag and the current Lao PDR flag—representing past origins and the present nation.
  • Formal Transmission: Directs the Secretary of State to deliver a certified copy of the resolution to Abbot Wern Sipasouck of Temple Wat Lao in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Affected Parties

  • Lao American residents in Rhode Island and their broader communities.
  • Rhode Island’s cultural, religious, and civic organizations, particularly Temple Wat Lao in Smithfield.
  • The Secretary of State (in the ceremonial transfer of the resolution).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction: May 15, 2025.
  • Action: Recommended for Immediate Consideration and Senate read/passed on May 15, 2025.
  • Status: Senate read and passed; resolution is non-binding and symbolic, not a measure mandating policy or spending.

Context and Significance

  • Cites U.S. Census data (2023) noting a sizable Lao population in the United States and Rhode Island’s vibrant Lao American community.
  • Provides cultural and historical context of Lao refugees and diaspora since 1975, emphasizing resilience and preservation of language, customs, and faith.
  • Serves to acknowledge and celebrate Lao cultural identity within the state, reinforcing inclusion and cultural understanding.

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

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