RI State Representative representing District 65, East Providence. Attorney, Red Door Owner, BC Chain Crew, Liquid Courage Guitar & Vocals, Democracy Enthusiast
East Providence, RI
Joined June 2009
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Matthew Dawson retweeted
I’m proud to support RI @RepMSDawson for re-election.
Rep. Dawson sponsored H7923, now signed into law, ending arbitrary opioid dosage limits in RI.
Good luck, Matt!!
#towniePride
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Legislation sponsored by @RepMSDawson and @LouRaptakis to protect children left unattended in cars was ceremonially signed by Gov. Dan McKee today. Both Sen. Raptakis and Rep. Dawson worked with Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office to craft the legislation.
The legislation restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle.
“As a former prosecutor, I have witnessed some truly tragic scenes where children were left unattended in a vehicle. In the most extreme circumstances when a child is injured or worse, charges are always warranted. But there are cases where a warning from law enforcement should suffice with the hope that future emergencies will be prevented,” said Rep. Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
More information: rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
I’m very proud to receive this endorsement from the good people at Climate Action Rhode Island.
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Legislation sponsored by @RepMSDawson and @LammisJVargas was ceremonially signed into law today, protecting public safety by requiring at least two crew members on every freight train operated in Rhode Island.
“This is common-sense public safety legislation. Just like commercial airliners are required to have two licensed pilots on every plane, freight trains, which can consist of dozens or even hundreds of cars carrying heavy and sometimes hazardous loads, shouldn’t be entirely reliant on a single individual,” said Rep. Dawson.
The legislation, which was signed by Gov. Dan McKee today at a ceremony held at the Pawtucket/Central Falls Transit Center, was supported by the AFL-CIO and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
More information: rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Legislation from @RepMSDawson and @LoriUrsoRI to protect animals from cruelty and neglect by empowering animal control officers to take immediate control of animals they find abandoned, neglected, injured or otherwise cruelly mistreated has been signed into law.
Said Rep. Dawson, “This bill is simple and about two things, common sense and protecting defenseless animals from abandonment, abuse and neglect. While the @RISPCA does fine and admirable work, these crimes happen too frequently for the Society to handle this problem on its own. And it’s common sense to empower our local animal control officers with the ability to lawfully remove animals from dangerous or abusive situations, while also being lawfully able to provide the care and assistance that the animal may need.”
More information:
rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
Serving the good people of Rhode Island House District 65 for the past four years has been a great honor. I’m proud to announce my candidacy for re-election. While we’ve achieved significant results together, there is a great deal more work to be done and i would be honored to continue serving on your behalf.
Very sad to see Rep Bob Craven retire from the House. Bob has been a mentor and had I not attended a seminar featuring Bob when I was a student at URI I would have never become a lawyer or prosecutor. Life is funny. Thanks Bob.
On the last night of the 2026 legislative session, the House said farewell to members who won't be returning next year.
@repmcentee33, at times holding back tears, told @RepCraven, "you are a man of integrity and compassion, Bob. Your door is always open." She talked about Rep. Craven's calming influence on challenging issues, and how his singular goal was to help people. As she outlined some of the legislation Rep. Craven has helped pass, she noted that his "input in this room has touched countless pieces of consequential legislation and changed lives throughout Rhode Island. I know I will miss you deeply and dearly....thank you for your extensive legal knowledge, and your steadfast commitment to justice and bettering Rhode Island. When you leave this chamber, you know that you made a difference in so many lives."
Rep. McEntee also introduced a resolution in Rep. Craven's honor: webserver.rilegislature.gov/…
Rep. Craven has served the residents of North Kingstown in District 32 since first being elected in 2012. His past public service includes being Solicitor for the Town of Foster; Assistant Solicitor for the City of East Providence; Legal Counsel to the Rhode Island Board of Elections; Assistant Attorney General, which included serving as Chief of the Rhode Island Public Corruption Unit; and Town Councilor in North Kingstown. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Rhode Island. Rep. Craven lives in Saunderstown with his wife, Susan, and they are the parents of two sons.
Matthew Dawson retweeted
@eastbayri: On Thursday, June 4 the general assembly passed legislation from @LoriUrsoRI and @RepMSDawson intended to protect animals from cruelty and neglect by empowering animal control officers to take immediate control of animals they find abandoned, neglected, injured or otherwise cruelly mistreated.
The bill (2026-S 2151, 2026-H 7562) would allow municipal animal control officers to lawfully take charge of and provide adequate care to any animal found abandoned, neglected, cruelly treated or in a dangerous hoarding situation. Currently, this authority is only given to law enforcement agents of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“This bill is simple and about two things, common sense and protecting defenseless animals from abandonment, abuse and neglect,” said Rep. Dawson (D-Dist. 65 - East Providence). “While the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does fine and admirable work, these crimes happen too frequently for the Society to handle this problem on its own. And it’s common sense to empower our local animal control officers with the ability to lawfully remove animals from dangerous or abusive situations, while also being lawfully able to provide the care and assistance that the animal may need.”
Full story: eastbayri.com/stories/bill-e…
The General Assembly today passed legislation from @RepMSDawson and @LoriUrsoRI to protect animals from cruelty and neglect by empowering animal control officers to take immediate control of animals they find abandoned, neglected, injured or otherwise cruelly mistreated.
Said Rep. Dawson, “This bill is simple and about two things, common sense and protecting defenseless animals from abandonment, abuse and neglect. While the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does fine and admirable work, these crimes happen too frequently for the Society to handle this problem on its own. And it’s common sense to empower our local animal control officers with the ability to lawfully remove animals from dangerous or abusive situations, while also being lawfully able to provide the care and assistance that the animal may need.”
More information: rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
Remembering a great EP Townie.
During yesterday's House session, @RepMSDawson introduced a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Davey Lopes, a legendary figure in Major League Baseball and a proud native of East Providence, RI.
Davey enjoyed a distinguished 16-year Major League career, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros, and was widely recognized as one of the premier second basemen and base stealers in the history of the game.
Rep. Dawson noted that Davey, who passed away recently at the age of 80, was one of the greatest athletes to come from Rhode Island. Rep. Scott Slater, who has a relationship with the Lopes family, commented that Davey was a wonderful, kind person and an icon in Rhode Island.
The resolution is online: webserver.rilegislature.gov/…
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Earlier today, @RepMSDawson hosted students from St. Mary Academy - Bay View at the State House. The students participated in a mock legislative session, led by Rep. Dawson, where they debated several bills and learned about how laws are made.
Matthew Dawson retweeted
@RepMSDawson has been appointed as the second vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee by Speaker Joe Shekarchi.
“The Judiciary Committee is one of the most important committees at the State House because it deals with serious legal issues that affect Rhode Islanders every single day. Whether we are talking about protecting residents from crime, unfair business practices, or outdated laws that negatively impact communities, this committee and its decisions help and support every Rhode Island resident. It’s an honor to be appointed to this position and I thank Speaker Shekarchi and my colleagues in the House for having faith in me to help lead this committee that touches so many lives,” said Rep. Dawson.
More details: rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Here’s the full 60 Minutes segment on CECOT that Bari Weiss and CBS censored.
#BoycottCBS
Matthew Dawson retweeted
@RepMSDawson stopped by a Veterans Cafe held in East Providence today.
@RI_VETS and @MealsRI host Veterans Cafes once a month across the state and are a FREE social dining experience for veterans and their loved ones. Local community partners also attend, so veterans can make one-on-one connections, access on-the-spot claims, and file for benefits over a nutritious meal.
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Legislation sponsored by Sen. @SamZurier and @RepMSDawson to enable the burying of high-voltage power lines between Bold Point Park in East Providence and India Point Park in Providence has become law.
Learn more: rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
Matthew Dawson retweeted
Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Whip @PTikoian66035 and @RepMSDawson to protect election officials and poll workers has been signed into law.
Learn more: rilegislature.gov/pressrelea…
