Good Samaritan Act, RhodeWorks & Charter Schools: This Week at The State House
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Governor Raimondo signed a Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act, a Labeling Act is introudced RhodeWorks and more. Here is what happened this week at the State House.
Federal funding strengthens RhodeWorks legislation
House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston), President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo announced revised RhodeWorks legislation that takes into account new federal funding. The legislation puts people back to work repairing crumbling infrastructure and provides the reliable, sustainable source of revenue necessary to rebuild the state’s bridges, which are ranked the worst in the country. The bill also prohibits future tolling of other motor vehicles unless approved by the voters.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTClick here to see news release.
Senate action plan promotes green sector job growth
President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) hosted a roundtable discussion of a legislative action plan and corresponding legislation intended to promote job growth in green industries in Rhode Island. Entitled “Grow Green Jobs RI,” the action plan focuses on a wide spectrum of industries, including renewable energy, home energy conservation, constructing environmentally sound infrastructure, agriculture, seafood and recycling.
Click here to see news release.
Carbon pricing bill to steer RI toward cleaner energy, boost local economy
Backed by a coalition of advocates from the business, environmental and faith communities, Rep. Aaron Regunberg (D-Dist. 4, Providence) introduced legislation to reduce Rhode Island’s reliance on fossil fuels and bolster the state’s clean energy and green business sector. The Energize Rhode Island Act is designed to provide incentives for energy users to reduce their reliance on carbon-emitting fuels and encourage the development of cleaner renewable energy projects that keep Rhode Islanders’ dollars in the state and create jobs locally.
Click here to see news release.
Governor signs Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act
Gov. Gina M. Raimondo signed the Good Samaritan Act of 2016 into law. The act reinstates and expands important legal protections for those who seek medical assistance for individuals experiencing a drug overdose. Bill sponsors Rep. Robert E. Craven (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown) and Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick), members of the General Assembly, and members of the recovery community joined Raimondo for the ceremonial signing at Anchor Recovery Community Center in Pawtucket.
Click here to see news release.
House passes Serpa, O’Grady bills relating to charter schools
The House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Patricia Serpa (D-Dist. 27-West Warwick, Warwick, Coventry) that would require the approval of a city or town council to establish or expand a charter school. The bill, which passed the House, now heads to the Senate, where a companion bill has been introduced by Sen. Adam J. Satchell (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick). The House also passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) would require the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education to consider the financial impact on sending districts before any new charter school, mayoral academy or an expansion of one can be approved.
Click here to see Serpa release. Click here to see O’Grady release.
House passes Kennedy’s Electric Supplier Consumer Bill of Rights
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill introduced by Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly), the Electric Supplier Consumer Bill of Rights, that would give electric suppliers new guidelines to follow in their dealings with customers and potential customers. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Click here to see news release.
Sen. Lombardi bill would require adults trained in concussions at youth events
Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) has submitted legislation that would refine the law on guidelines for concussions at school and youth programs. The new law would require that an adult trained in recognizing the symptoms of a concussion be present during all events.
Click here to see news release.
Rep. Amore’s bill would deny guns for domestic abusers
Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) has introduced legislation that would deny convicted misdemeanor domestic abusers from purchasing, owning, transporting, carrying or possessing any firearm. The legislation provides exemption from the law for people who were convicted of a minor petty offense, who have had their convictions expunged, set aside, or who have had their civil rights restored through the judicial process.
Click here to see news release.
Rep. O’Brien introduces bill to increase animal abuse penalties
Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) submitted legislation this week that would stiffen the penalties for animal abusers in response to a case last fall in North Providence in which a dog named Moses was ultimately euthanized after neighbors alerted police to the dog’s horrific malnourished condition. The proposed legislation would increase the punishment of animal abusers from two years to five years of possible imprisonment and from 10 hours of community service to 50 hours of community service.
Click here to see news release.
Rep. Canario introduces GMO labeling act
Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) has again this year introduced a bill calling for labeling of food products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The legislation would add a definition to state law relative to genetically engineered products and would also set rules for labeling such products.
Click here to see news release.
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