2026 -- H 8632

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LC006122

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA A. SERPA FOR HER SERVICE TO THE

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Blazejewski, Kazarian, Fellela, Chippendale, McEntee,
Ackerman, Shallcross Smith, Lima, Costantino, and Messier

     Date Introduced: June 11, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Patricia A. Serpa has served with honor and distinction in

the Rhode Island House of Representatives for more than nineteen years, faithfully representing

the citizens of District 27 in the communities of West Warwick, Coventry, and Warwick since

first being elected in 2006; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Serpa makes her home in the Town of West Warwick. She

earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Saint Joseph College and later attained a

Master’s degree in education from Providence College, further preparing her for a career

dedicated to education and public service; and

     WHEREAS, Prior to her service in the General Assembly, Representative Serpa devoted

many years to educating and mentoring young people as a public school educator and admissions

officer, reflecting her lifelong commitment to the success and well-being of Rhode Island’s

students and families; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Serpa also gained valuable experience in public service and

community leadership when she served for six years on the West Warwick School Committee

from 2000 through 2006, advocating for students, teachers, and families in her community; and

     WHEREAS, During her tenure in the Rhode Island House of Representatives,

Representative Serpa has been a tireless advocate for transparency, accountability, and

responsible governance. Since 2016, she has served as Chairwoman of the House Oversight

Committee, where she has led numerous hearings and investigations addressing matters of public

concern and working to ensure greater accountability within state government; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Serpa has also served the House of Representatives in

several additional leadership and committee roles, including as Second Vice Chair of the House

Rules Committee and as a member of the House Conduct Committee and the House Corporations

Committee; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout her years in office, Representative Serpa has sponsored and

supported important legislation aimed at improving the lives of Rhode Islanders, including laws

prohibiting the manufacture and possession of untraceable “ghost guns,” providing compensation

to individuals who were wrongfully incarcerated, strengthening state procurement and bidding

practices, protecting consumers from unfair insurance practices, and improving election

administration and transparency in government operations; and

     WHEREAS, Beyond her work in the General Assembly, Representative Serpa has

remained actively engaged in her community and civic organizations, including the West

Warwick Democratic Town Committee, the West Warwick Lions Club, the Sons of Italy, the

Vince Lombardi Lodge, and Defenders of Animals; and

     WHEREAS, After many years of dedicated service to her constituents and to the State of

Rhode Island, Representative Serpa has announced that she will not seek reelection, concluding a

distinguished legislative career marked by integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to

public service; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

honors and thanks Representative Patricia A. Serpa for her many years of dedicated service to the

people of the State of Rhode Island and expresses its sincere gratitude for her leadership and

commitment to good government; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Patricia A. Serpa.

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