HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE SENATOR JAMES S. D'AMBRA
Summary
H5058 is a House resolution expressing condolences on the passing of the Honorable Senator James S. D’Ambra. The resolution recounts his life and service as an educator, school administrator, public servant, and former Rhode Island State Senator, and it highlights his long career in education, his work with the Providence School Department and the Urban League, and his 16 years in the General Assembly.
The resolution also honors his legislative service, including his work on the Finance Committee and later the Health, Education and Welfare Committee, and notes his reputation for integrity, consensus-building, and knowledge of education and state budget issues. It concludes by formally extending the House’s sympathy to his family and directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his wife and children.
Impact
This resolution does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is ceremonial and administrative: it records the General Assembly’s condolences in the official journal and authorizes the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to the designated family members. The only affected parties are the family of Senator D’Ambra and, more broadly, the House as it memorializes a former member.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill is uniformly respectful and commemorative. The resolution was introduced by a broad group of House members and was read and passed, reflecting bipartisan or at least noncontroversial support for honoring a former senator and educator. The tone of the text is appreciative and admiring, emphasizing his public service, teaching career, and community involvement.
Contention
There is no substantive contention evident in the bill text, voting history, or committee materials provided. Because the measure is a condolence resolution, it appears to have been treated as a routine ceremonial matter rather than a policy debate. Any discussion would likely have centered on Senator D’Ambra’s legacy and the appropriateness of the tribute, not on disputed legislative issues.