RI State Report: Veto, Veto, Veto

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Anthony Faccenda, GoLocalProv News Contributor

 

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Although we are two weeks removed from the end of 2013 session of Rhode Island’s General Assembly, legislative matters are still at the forefront of this week’s State Report. The reason being that—per state law—the governor had to either sign or veto any bills transmitted after session adjournment by this week or else they automatically become law without signature.

This week we’ll look at the governor’s decision to approve two bills that tackle school safety and violent crimes, and his choice to reject three measures—including a controversial “Choose Life” license plate bill.

Chafee vetoes ‘Choose Life’ license plates

On Tuesday, Gov. Lincoln Chafee vetoed a bill to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to sell “Choose Life” license plates, which would have raised money for a Christian organization that opposes abortion.

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Chafee, a pro-choice advocate, said it would be inappropriate to use state license plates to raise funds for a religious organization. The governor also referenced the importance of separation between church and state in his decision. Supporters argued that those opposed to the plates could simply choose not to buy one.

Under the legislation, which was approved by the General Assembly earlier this month, half of the plate’s $40 price tag would go to CareNet Pregnancy Center of Rhode Island, a non-profit group that provides abortion alternative services to women facing unexpected pregnancies. A $10 renewal charge would have also gone to CareNet.

Twenty-nine states offer “Choose Life” license plates, which were created by Choose Life Inc. in 1997. Massachusetts and Connecticut currently sell “Choose Life” plates.

Rhode Island offers special license plates supporting food banks, environmental preservation, and breast cancer research.

Chafee rejects bill giving more power to the Providence Redevelopment Agency

This week, the governor also vetoed a bill that would have given the Providence Redevelopment Agency the power to construct new buildings. Under current law, the agency can repair existing buildings, but cannot build new ones.

“This limitation is critically important: the private sector, through careful risk/reward assessment and expertise, is better suited to engage in real estate development than the public sector,” wrote Chafee in his veto message.

The legislation would have authorized the PRA to redevelop a vacant power station in downtown Providence known as the Dynamo House. Specifically, the city wanted to build a new parking garage on the property, which is located at 360 Eddy St.

Brown University, the University of Rhode and Rhode Island College have also been working with private developers to turn the site into a joint educational complex.

Although the legislation easily passed the General Assembly, Republicans were opposed to the bill. House Minority Leader Brian Newberry (R) commented this week that the measure could result in a financial debacle rivaling the failed 38 Studios investment.

Providence officials have argued that the legislation was not introduced with specific projects in mind. Mayor Angel Taveras said that the bill is necessary to eliminate development barriers and to reignite the city’s once thriving construction and real estate industries.

Established in 1947, the PRA has the power to acquire properties and large areas of land for redevelopment purposes. Redevelopment Agencies are only authorized to be in cities or towns with more than 100,000 residents, making Providence the only city to qualify.

Governor vetoes tax breaks for new unsold homes

Gov. Chafee’s final veto this week involves legislation that would have placed a tax break on unsold new homes. For the second year in a row, the governor has rejected the proposal, which would have provided tax exemptions on new and unsold homes and apartments.

According to Chafee, the tax break would give developers an incentive not to sell a home or apartment until the price increases. The governor also said that the exemptions would drain revenues from struggling towns.

Proponents of the bill argued that the legislation would have helped the state’s construction sector.

The measure would have prohibited cities and towns from taxing new and unsold homes for up to two years.

Chafee OKs tougher penalties for committing violent crimes with stolen weapons

Earlier this week, the governor gave final approval to legislation that increases the criminal penalties for possessing a stolen firearm while committing a violent crime.

The measure—which was sponsored by Sen. Adam J. Satchell (D) and Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D)—strengthens the penalty for a first conviction to a prison term of five to fifteen years, compared to the current penalty of five to ten years.

The bill also makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly have a stolen firearm. Violating this provision would result in a felony offense punishable by imprisonment of no less than three years and no greater than fifteen years.

Additionally, the new law also increases penalties for anyone that gives false information when purchasing a firearm or applying for a gun license. Currently, the punishment for that violation is up to five years in jail, but the new law will add up to a $5,000 fine.

The bill’s approval comes just one week after Chafee signed a bill to create a panel tasked with examining ways to address firearm safety and behavioral health. 

Governor approves bill to improve school safety 

And lastly this week, Gov. Chafee signed a bill that aligns state fire drill laws with the national standards set by the NFPA life safety code.

Introduced by Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D) and Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D), the legislation will require two drills to be held during the first month of school (September)—one fire drill and one lockdown drill. Subsequently, the school must hold a fire drill every month and one lockdown drill in January.

“It’s extremely important that all students know how to react if there is an emergency in school, said DiPalma. “We want to remove any lack of clarity in our laws so all principals know what the state expects of them in terms of drills. Adopting the national standard is a way we can feel confident that we’re giving students and staff adequate preparation for emergencies.”

Under the law, the Fire Marshall’s office has jurisdiction over the drills, and schools will be required to submit paperwork to the Department of Education and the Fire Marshall regarding the drills.

The bill is part of a comprehensive school safety package introduced earlier this year in the General Assembly. Two other bills—which address safety assessments and annual safety plan certification—have already been enacted into law.

 

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