Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week; for more information on any of these items, visit http://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease.
General Assembly passes bill to permanently allow outdoor dining
The General Assembly passed legislation (2024-H 7064A, 2024-S 2028A) sponsored
by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Sen.
Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham) that
permanently allows outdoor dining at restaurants. Municipalities would have the
power to regulate the scope of the dining areas. The legislation now heads to the
governor.
House OKs Fellela bill imposing penalties for death from overmedication
The House of Representatives gave its approval to legislation (2024-H 7013A)
introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston) that would impose a
probationary period of three years for any licensee found guilty of overprescribing
with death resulting. A subsequent violation during the probationary period could
result in a suspension or revocation of licensure. The measure now moves to the
Senate for consideration.
House, Senate oversight committees to delve into Washington Bridge crisis
A joint meeting of the House Committee on Oversight and the Senate Committee on
Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight is planned for next week to address the
ongoing crisis on the Washington Bridge, the causes of its failure, and plans for its
future. The committee will meet Monday at 3 p.m. in Room 35 on the first floor of
the State House.
Legislators join opening of new Rhode Island Reconnect Center
Rep. Cherie L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket) and Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8,
Pawtucket) joined Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island Postsecondary Commissioner
Shannon Gilkey to open the new location of the RI Reconnect visitor center, a place
for students and prospective students to receive support in breaking down barriers to
pursuing their education and completing their degree. Reconnect has seen a surge in
activity due to an $8 million investment passed by the General Assembly.
Rep. O’Brien introduces tax relief bill for seniors
Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) has introduced a bill which
will grant senior citizens significant tax relief on pension and annuity income. The
legislation (2024-H 7485) would allow a modification for all taxable pension and/or
annuity income includible in federal adjusted gross income for tax years beginning on
or after Jan. 1, 2025.
DiPalma and Serpa hold press conference highlighting APRA reform legislation
Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton)
and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) held a press
conference to introduce legislation (2024-S 2256, 2024-H 7181) that would reform
the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). Chairman DiPalma’s legislation has been
referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and Chairwoman Serpa’s bill has been
referred to the House Committee on State Government and Elections.
Groups rally for anti-gun violence legislation at State House
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, Rhode Island AFL-CIO, National
Education Association Rhode Island, Moms Demand Action and other community
organizations rallied at the State House in support of gun safety legislation and
preventing gun violence. The coalition’s priorities are a secure storage bill (2024-H
7373, 2024-S 2202) sponsored by Rep. Justine A. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East
Greenwich, West Greenwich) and Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington,
Bristol, East Providence) and an assault weapons ban (2024-H 7217) sponsored by
Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (DDist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton).
AARP backs bills
AARP Rhode Island announced its legislative priorities for 2024, which include the
Secure Choice Program (2024-H 7121, 2024-S 2045) sponsored by Rep. Evan P.
Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick, East Greenwich) and Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (DDist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence) creating a voluntary retirement savings plan for
individuals who do not have access through their employer; legislation to encourage
construction of accessory dwelling units (2024-H 7062) sponsored by Rep. June S.
Speakman (D-Dist. 69, Warren, Bristol) and Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38,
Charlestown, Westerly, South Kingstown); bills to eliminate the state tax on Social
Security benefits (2024-S 2058, 2024-S 2158, 2024-S 2061) sponsored by Sen.
Walter S. Felag (D-Dist. 10 Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), Sen. Mark P. McKenney (D- Dist. 30, Warwick and Sen. Elaine J. Morgan (R-Dist. 34, Hopkinton, Charlestown,
Exeter, Richmond, West Greenwich); and legislation to expand Temporary Caregiver
Insurance (2024-S 2121, 2024-H 7171) sponsored by Sen. Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist.
14, East Providence) and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls).
DiMario named Legislator of the Year at Clean Water Legislative Summit
The Rhode Island Clean Water Association honored Sen. Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist.
36, North Kingstown, Narragansett, New Shoreham) as its 2024 Clean Water
Legislator of the Year at the 2024 Clean Water Legislative Summit. The summit
included remarks from Rhode Island’s federal delegation and House Speaker K.
Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).
Economic Progress Institute hosts policy briefing on predatory lending
The Economic Progress Institute hosted a policy briefing on payday lending practices
in Rhode Island for legislators, staffers and members of the public. The group was
invited by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls), who has
introduced legislation (2024-H 7211, 2024-S2141) along with Sen. Ana B. Quezada
(D-Dist. 2, Providence) to close an exemption in state law that allows payday lenders
to charge triple-digit interest rates.