Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

This week at the

General Assembly

 

STATE HOUSE — 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.

Click here to see news release

 

§ 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.
Click here to see news release.

 

§ 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.
Click here to see news release.

 

§ 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. 
Click here to see news release.

 

§  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.

Click here to see news release

 

§  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. 

Click here to see news release

 

§ 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 (D-Dist. 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 (D-Dist. 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).

Click here to see news release.

 

§  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.

Click here to see news release.

The FBI is confirming former President Trump was hit by a bullet at his Pennsylvania rally nearly two weeks ago. In a statement Friday, the agency said, "What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces." Trump and his allies had pushed back on FBI Director Christopher Way's testimony to Congress earlier this week when he said it was not clear if a bullet or shrapnel had struck Trump's ear.       Vice President Harris is receiving the endorsement of Barack and Michelle Obama in the Democratic race for president. The former president and first lady released a video this morning showing Vice President Harris speaking on the phone with both of them. In a joint statement announcing the endorsement, the Obamas said, "There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people."       The Olympic flame is burning bright as the Summer Games are now officially open. The Opening Ceremony was held on the River Seine in Paris with hundreds of thousands of fans lined up to welcome athletes from around the world, including the more than 500 representing Team USA. LeBron James and Coco Gauff served as flagbearers for the U.S.        Airlines are preparing for the "revenge travel" boom to end, cutting ticket prices to fill seats amidst a more uncertain outlook. That's a sharp turnaround from a period of high air fares, when passengers were desperate to travel anywhere and airlines suffered from a shortage of planes. The cracks have largely come on shorter routes in the U.S. and Europe and in economy class, with more expensive seats in business and first class less affected.       The NBA is facing a lawsuit from Warner Bros. Discovery over its rejected television rights deal. The media company alleges the league breached its contracted when it chose to accept Amazon's bid instead of the one from W-B-D. TNT has aired NBA games since 1989 and is home to popular "Inside the NBA" studio show with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson.        A new cereal mix combining three of Travis and Jason Kelce's childhood favorites is in the works. The Kelce brothers are partnering with General Mills to release the 'Kelce Mix Cereal,' which combines Reese's Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms and will hit shelves in September. The two mentioned the trio of General Mills cereals when they agreed on their favorite cereals on an episode of their New Heights podcast last December.       

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