Here are the highlights from this week’s events and news in the General Assembly. Check http://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease for more information.
Legislators announce Working Families Agenda of 2024 legislative priorities
A diverse group of 25 legislators came together Tuesday to announce their Working
Families Agenda, a list of top priorities for the 2024 legislative session. This agenda
includes expanding and improving public transit, building more affordable housing,
strengthening the rights of renters, a comprehensive reform of LEOBOR, lowering
prescription drug prices by legalizing wholesale purchases from Canada, providing
free, healthy lunches to all students, expanding paid family leave and taxing the
income of Rhode Islanders who make more than $1 million per year.
Vella-Wilkinson bill requires websites to comply with accessibility standards
Legislation (2024-H 7159) proposed by Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist.
21, Warwick) would require that state agencies’ websites be accessible to people with
disabilities. Companion legislation (2024-S 2037) is being sponsored in the Senate by
Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol).
Rep. Morales introduces bill to fully fund state’s libraries
Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence) sponsored legislation (2024-H 7335) to
fully fund the state’s contribution to public libraries in FY2025, covering a shortfall
in the governor’s proposed budget.
Sen. Acosta, Rep. Sanchez reintroduce bill providing free school meals
Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Rep. Enrique George
Sanchez (D-Dist. 9, Providence) have reintroduced legislation (2024-S 2046, 2024-H
7337) to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students of public schools.
Rep. Stewart proposes bill to increase notice for rent increases
Rep. Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) sponsored legislation that would
give renters more notice when their landlord plans to raise their rent. The bill (2024-H
7304) would require that landlords give tenants 90 days’ notice of any rent increase,
or 120 days if the tenant is over age 62, up from 30 days and 60 days, respectively,
under current law.
Cotter, Ujifusa bill would raise tax credit to help seniors, those with disabilities
Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Rep. Megan L. Cotter (DDist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton) are sponsoring a bill raising the eligibility
limit and the maximum credit for the “circuit breaker” tax credit, which benefits lowincome seniors and individuals with disabilities. Currently, the program is limited to
households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less, and the credit is limited to $600.
This legislation (2024-H 7208, 2024-S 2063) would raise the income limit to $50,000
and raise the maximum credit to $850.
Coalition of legislators hold press conference on drunk driving legislation
Sens. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich), John P. Burke
(D-Dist. 9, West Warwick) and David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North
Providence, Lincoln) and Reps. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick,
Coventry) and Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) held a press
conference at the State House to call attention to several bills that strengthen the
penalties for drunk, impaired and reckless driving offenses.
House Oversight Committee tours St. Mary’s Home for Children
Members of the House Oversight Committee took a tour of the St. Mary’s Home for
Children this week. St. Mary’s Home for Children is a residential treatment center
serving youth in state care. The tour comes in the wake of a report from the Office of
the Child Advocate that details “significant safety concerns and abusive living
conditions” at the facility.
Right from the Start meets with lawmakers to announce priorities
Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) and Senate
Majority Leader Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) joined officials
from Right from the Start at a press conference as the education advocacy group
announced its legislative priorities for 2024, which include more early intervention
and child care support.
Legislative leaders welcome cast of ‘Ella McKay’ to State House
Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Senate Finance
Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton,
Little Compton) and other legislative leaders joined the Rhode Island Film and TV
Office in the State Room to welcome the cast of ‘Ella McKay,” including Emma
Mackey, Woody Harrelson and Jamie Lee Curtis. The production will take advantage
of the state’s Film and TV tax credit, which has been approved annually by the
General Assembly. The movie will begin filming soon at the State House and other
locations throughout Rhode Island.