Woonsocket Radio News Room

General Assembly approves bill that allows extended absences due to COVID-related interruptions

 

STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) and Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) that addresses the unique educational challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated.

The bill (2022-H 7062, 2022-S 2572) would provide that in developing alternative-learning plans, consideration would be given to the unique difficulties and interruptions that many students have experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 significantly changed in-person learning and access to school-based services, which had a profound effect on the psychological well-being of our children,” said Representative McNamara, who chairs the House Education Committee. “This legislation would allow alternatives that may not be preferable under ordinary circumstances, such as extended breaks in study.”

Alternative learning plans include extended learning opportunities as independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, and online courses that are currently funded and available to the school department and the community

“The mental health concerns of our students have been growing,” said Senator Cano, who chairs the Senate Education Committee.  “The pandemic has brought several new mental health challenges for our kids, and we need policies that address that, such as this legislation that acknowledges pandemic-related difficulties. By supporting students’ mental health needs, we will help them come to school better prepared to learn.”

This act would also authorize the granting of extended absences from school that is not intended to be permanent, but is permitted because of the pandemic’s unique difficulties and interruptions.

The measure now moves to the governor’s office. 

 

 

The Justice Department has served grand jury subpoenas to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The subpoenas are centered on an investigation into allegedly obstructing federal officers amid anti-ICE protests in the state. Walz and Frey have been critical of federal immigration officials following the deadly shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.        Freezing temperatures are gripping a large part of the country. Life-threatening wind chill temperatures have already impacted parts of the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Ohio Valley and Northeast. This first wave of arctic air will slightly ease by tomorrow, before another surge of cold air hits the Midwest on Thursday.        A majority of the Supreme Court appears to be skeptical of Hawaii's "vampire rule" related to firearms. Justices heard arguments Tuesday on the rule, which requires anyone carrying a firearm to ask for permission to enter private property. It's called the "vampire rule" because fictional vampires must get permission to enter a home.        The Trump administration is announcing plans to hold a minerals summit. The State Department posted on X Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will welcome partners from across the world for the summit on February 4th, a move that comes in the wake of President Trump's ramped up pursuit of Greenland. The post went on to say that strengthening mineral supply chains with international partners is "vital to America's economic and national security."        A federal judge is refusing to temporarily block a newly reinstated Department of Homeland Security policy that would limit lawmakers' access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers. Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and other Democrats sued the Trump administration last week seeking to bar enforcement of a policy requiring them to give seven days' notice before any visit. The lawmakers challenged the policy by arguing that it violated a court order striking down a similar rule last month.        Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been elected to Baseball Hall of Fame as members of 2026 class. Beltran, a nine-time All-Star and 1999 AL Rookie of the Year, received 84-percent of the vote. Jones, a ten-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star, received 78-percent, just over the needed 75-percent.       

Old News Archives