Woonsocket Radio News Room

March 16, 2018

Legislative Press Bureau at (401) 528-1743

                       

 

State House view from the southThis 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

 

 

 

§  House OKs Solomon legislation that would allow sexual consent education
The House of Representatives passed legislation (2018-H 7044A) introduced by Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) that would permit the teaching of sexual consent in the context of existing family life courses in secondary schools. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  House OKs Bennett bill to allow students sunscreen in schools
Students in Rhode Island schools would not be denied the right to possess and apply sunscreen under legislation (2018-H 7158) sponsored by Rep. David Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston) and unanimously approved by the House. Current regulations prohibit anyone other than a school nurse from administering medications, including Food and Drug Administration-approved substances like sunscreen, or possessing them without a doctor’s note or prescription. Senate Health and Human Services Chairman Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) is sponsoring the bill (2018-S 2115) in the Senate, where it was heard this week.
Click here to see news release.

§  Rep. Kazarian, Sen. Euer bill would safeguard access to contraception

Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence) and Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) have introduced legislation (2018-H 7625, 2018-S 2529) that would require health insurance plans to provide coverage for a 12-month supply of birth control to all those who are insured or their spouses or dependents.  If passed, health care providers would be able to prescribe birth control up to a full year at a time, and would ensure it is covered without co-pay.

Click here to see news release.

 

§  Rep. Tanzi, Sen. Coyne file bill to raise tobacco purchase age to 21
Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Sen. Cynthia A. Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) have introduced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Rhode Island from 18 to 21. The legislation (2018-H 7647, 2018-S 2464) would apply to all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, and would take effect upon passage.
Click here to see news release.

§  Rep. McNamara bill would create position of student loan ombudsman
Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation that would create a Student Loan Bill of Rights. The act (2018-H 7881) would authorize the creation of the position of student loan ombudsman within the office of the commissioner of postsecondary education.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  Sen. Euer bill would restore licensing for medical lab professionals
Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) has introduced legislation (2018-S 2230) to re-establish licensing for medical laboratory technologists, medical laboratory technicians, medical histologic technicians and cytotechnologists and set standards that include minimum education and training requirements. Licensing for the profession previously existed, but was eliminated in 2015. Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) has introduced the bill (2018-H 7323) in the House.
Click here to see news release.

§  Rep. Corvese sponsors bill with Secretary of State to support elections integrity
Rep. Arthur Corvese (D-Dist. 55, North Providence) has introduced legislation (2018-H 7522) on behalf of Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea to help maintain elections integrity around the nation by requiring that Rhode Island notify other states when their former residents register to vote here. Sen. Stephen R. Archambault (D-Dist.22, Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston) has introduced the measure (2018-S 2440) in the Senate.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  Rep. O’Brien introduces Teachers Bill of Rights legislation

Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) has introduced legislation (2018-H 7898) that would create a comprehensive bill of rights for school teachers in Rhode Island.  The legislation would amend the definition of “teacher” by adding school nurses, school guidance counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists to be classified as teachers. The legislation also lays out rights that would be afforded to teachers such as having all teachers work in an environment free from bullying and harassment from administrators, students, parents, and other teachers.

Click here to see news release.

 

§  Rep. McLaughlin bill would provide daycare for children of active military
Rep. James N. McLaughlin (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) has introduced legislation (2018-H 7483) that would provide daycare for the children of Rhode Islanders who serve in active duty in the armed forces.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  Rep. Phillips legislation would eliminate $10 fee for sales tax permits
Rep. Robert D. Phillips (D-Dist. 51, Woonsocket, Cumberland) has introduced legislation (2018-H 7937) that would eliminate the $10 fee businesses must pay to obtain a sales tax permit.
Click here to see news release.

                       

                                   

 

 

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For an electronic version of this and all press releases published by the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau, please visit our Web site at www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The third day of testimony in former President Trump's criminal hush money trial in New York is done. Jurors again heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who has explained this week how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair.       The Supreme Court is considering whether Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for acts he took in office. The case before them today centered around Trump's federal election interference charges. Trump's attorney argued prosecuting a president for official acts "incompatible" with Constitution.        Parts of the Central U.S. are bracing for severe weather today. Large hail, heavy downpours and isolated tornadoes are possible today from the Texas Panhandle to southern Nebraska, with wind gusts reaching 85 miles per hour. More dangerous weather is forecast on Friday and Saturday from Oklahoma to Iowa, and will push eastward from Arkansas to Illinois on Sunday.        The abortion issue was front and center on Wednesday. First, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a closely-watched case over whether Idaho's near-total abortion ban conflicts with a federal law requiring hospitals to provide patients emergency care. A decision is expected in June.        The World Health Organization says teen use of alcohol and e-cigarettes is "alarming." In a new analysis, the WHO said the findings show a "concerning picture." The most commonly used substance among adolescents is alcohol, with more than half of 15-year-olds saying they've tried it at least once.        Southwest Airlines is suspending its operations at four major airports. The airline announced the decision Thursday, citing financial underperformance and Boeing delivery delays. Southwest will no longer operate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Bellingham International Airport in Washington and Mexico's Cozumel International Airport.       

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