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SR 995

SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE DOMINICK J. RUGGERIO, PRESIDENT AND DEAN OF THE RHODE ISLAND SENATE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

RI Senate expresses condolences on Dominick J. Ruggerio's death, honors his public service and leadership as Senate President, and sends the resolution to his family.

04/30/2025 Senate read and passed
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 995

SR 995 – Senate Resolution Expressing Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Dominick J. Ruggerio

Overview

SR 995 is a Rhode Island Senate resolution expressing deepest condolences on the death of Dominick J. Ruggerio, who served as President of the Rhode Island Senate from 2017 until his passing and was the Senate’s Dean (longest-serving member). The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create or modify law or policy.

What the Resolution Does

  • Conveys the Senate’s deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Ruggerio’s family and friends.
  • Recognizes Ruggerio’s decades-long public service and leadership as President of the Rhode Island Senate (2017–present) and as a long-standing member of the Senate, including roles such as Majority Whip and Majority Leader prior to becoming President.
  • Highlights Ruggerio’s personal background, education, and career trajectory, including his upbringing in North Providence, educational credentials (La Salle Academy, Bryant College, Providence College), and career work prior to and during his time in public service.
  • Documents Ruggerio’s legislative priorities and accomplishments as described in the memorial recitals, including:
    • Energy and climate leadership (e.g., 2021 Act on Climate and subsequent aggressive energy standards targeting 100% renewable electricity by 2033).
    • Gaming and remote iGaming initiatives (legalization of sports betting; authorization of remote iGaming in 2023).
    • Education and workforce development (permanent Rhode Island Promise program).
    • Environmental and public health initiatives (lead-pipe replacement program; Plastic Waste Reduction Act; mercury recycling and related disposal rules; mattress recycling program).
    • Economic development and downtown Providence initiatives (land use related to I-195 relocation; creation of tax exemptions for tangible personal property).
  • Acknowledges Ruggerio’s service to the community through local organizations (Wanskuck Library board, Sons of Italy, DaVinci Center Development Committee) and the awards recognizing his leadership and environmental stewardship.
  • Authorizes the transmission of duly certified copies of the resolution to Ruggerio’s family members: Charles Ruggerio and Family, Amanda Fallon and Family, and Lisa Aceto and Family.

Key Provisions (Substantive Content)

  • Formal expression of condolences from the Rhode Island Senate.
  • Biographical and career summary underscoring Ruggerio’s contributions to state government, the economy, and public welfare.
  • Specific acknowledgment of major legislative and policy initiatives attributed to Ruggerio’s leadership.
  • Official transmission instruction from the Secretary of State to designated family recipients.

Who Is Affected

  • Dominick J. Ruggerio’s immediate family and friends (as acknowledged in the resolution).
  • The Rhode Island Senate and state government as the formal body issuing the condolences.
  • General public readers who view the resolution as part of state ceremonial record.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: April 30, 2025.
  • Action: Recommended for Immediate Consideration on introduction.
  • Status: Senate read and passed on April 30, 2025.
  • Jurisdiction: 2025 Rhode Island Senate, January Session; classification: Senate Resolution (ceremonial).

Impact

As a ceremonial measure, SR 995 honors a prominent state figure and documents the Senate’s condolences and respect for Ruggerio’s life and public service. It does not alter statutes, budgets, or regulatory authority. Copies of the resolution are transmitted to his family per the final "Be it further Resolved" provision.

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

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