PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island House of Representatives opened its 2025 session on Jan. 9, appointed members to the House Rules Committee, set deadlines for submitting rule-change requests and ethics training, and voted to adopt several resolutions expressing condolences for notable public figures, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

The House, presided over by Speaker Shekharji, confirmed that a quorum was present and then moved through organizational business. The clerk read a correspondence from the speaker appointing Representative Kathleen Fogarty as chair of the House Rules Committee and listing committee members. Majority and minority caucus leadership teams were also announced by correspondence during the clerk's reading.

The session set a short calendar and immediate deadlines for members who wish to propose changes to chamber rules: legislation related to the rules must be submitted to Legislative Council by close of business the day the rules were introduced, with a separate deadline for introduction at noon the following Monday. Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski and other leaders also announced that the rules committee will hold its first hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15, and noted a schedule change for the prior day: the Jan. 14 meeting will start at 5 p.m. because of the governor's state of the state address; members were asked to arrive at 4 p.m. for ethics training. The House said attorneys attending the ethics session will receive one CLE credit.

Deputy Speaker Hall used an accompanying resolution to mark National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. "It's always not a nice job to do, but it's a necessary job," Hall said, urging appreciation for officers and the many people who support law enforcement work.

Several members offered brief tributes and asked that resolutions of condolence be placed on the desk for signatures. Representative William O'Brien spoke about former President Jimmy Carter, saying the Carters were "gracious, kind, and humble" and that spending time with the former president had been "one of the greatest highlights of my life." The House then took voice votes to transmit the listed matters and to adopt the condolence resolutions.

Votes at a glance
- House resolution expressing profound sympathy on the passing of President Jimmy Carter — adopted by voice vote ("ayes have it").
- House resolution celebrating National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (Jan. 9, 2025) — adopted by voice vote.
- House resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Mary Ann Edwards — adopted by voice vote.
- House resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Timothy R. Phillips — adopted by voice vote.
- House resolution expressing deepest condolences on the passing of the Most Reverend Louis E. Gellino, Bishop Emeritus of Providence — adopted by voice vote.
- House resolution expressing deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable Thomas R. DeLullio — adopted by voice vote.
- House resolution extending condolences on the passing of the Honorable Joseph M. Lima — adopted by voice vote.

Most of the condolence measures were introduced during Members' announcements and placed on the desk for signatures. The House clerk reported that the desk would remain open to collect signatures after adjournment.

The meeting also included routine openings and ceremonial items: an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Samuel Asinaro, the formal approval of the previous day's journal with no objection, and multiple requests to adjourn in memory of recently deceased public figures. Leadership announced housekeeping items including photo sessions to update official member photos and scheduled harassment-prevention training sessions on Jan. 15.

The House concluded its opening day business by transmitting matters on the clerk's desk to the governor, senate or secretary of state and adjourning after the condolence resolutions were read and the ayes were taken. The desk was left open for additional signatures.