Woonsocket Radio News Room

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

 

 

§  Senate adopts McKenney rule change to post committee testimony online
The Senate passed legislation introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) adopting its rules for the 2025-26 session. The resolution (2025-S 0594) requires the online posting of written testimony received by Senate committees, similar to the process for the House of Representatives and joint legislative committees.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  House OKs bill to protect students’ privacy when using technology for school
The House approved legislation (2025-H 5176A) sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol) to regulate when public schools, school districts or third parties such as software providers can activate or access audio, video or recordings on public school students’ institutional or personal electronic devices. The bill now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown) is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-S 0232). 
Click here to see news release.

§  Senate passes Rogers bill on municipal sidewalk maintenance

The Senate passed legislation (2025-S 0057) introduced by Senate Minority Whip Gordon E. Rogers (R-Dist. 21, Foster, Coventry, Scituate, West Greenwich) that would require that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the state.  The legislation now heads to the House, where Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-H 5393).

Click here to see news release.

 

§  Senate OKs bill that would allow Warwick to create a school budget commission
The Senate passed legislation (2025-S 0242) introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) that would allow the city of Warwick to create a five-member commission to oversee the operations of Warwick Public Schools and present a preliminary analysis of the school district’s financial situation. The measure now moves to the House, which passed identical legislation (2025-H 5252A) introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston).
Click here to see news release.

 

  • RIBLIA Caucus announces 2025 legislative priorities
    The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus released its 2025 legislative policy agenda Tuesday at a press conference at the State House. The caucus is chaired by Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence) and Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence).

Click here to see news release.

 

  • Sen. Raptakis introduces ‘Cleaning Up RI’ legislative package

Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich) has reintroduced the “Cleaning Up RI” legislative package.  The first part of the package is legislation (2025-S 0139) that would stiffen the penalties for unsanctioned graffiti.  The second bill (2025-S 0130) would increase the fines and community service requirements for littering.  Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) is expected to introduce both bills in the House.

Click here to see news release.

 

  • Ujifusa, Cortvriend sponsor resolution seeking reversal of executive orders
    Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown) have introduced resolutions in their respective chambers calling on Rhode Island’s federal delegation to demand immediate reversal of President Donald Trump’s actions harming critical health and safety programs in the United States and worldwide.
    Click here to see news release.

 

  • Legislative leaders talk economy with Chamber of Commerce

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Senate Majority Leader Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence), House Majority Leader Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence), Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) joined the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Wednesday at its annual legislative luncheon for a discussion on legislative matters, the state budget and the economy.

 

§  Fogarty hosts celebration at State House in honor of International Women’s Day
Putting a spotlight on the smart, driven women of Rhode Island, Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) hosted a celebration of the United Nations-recognized International Women’s Day Tuesday Joining in the speaking program were Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) and Rep. Justine A. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich).
Click here to see news release.

President Trump says the tariffs imposed on other countries are having the desired effect, and he's now open to negotiations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his initial tariff plan is over, and he's watching it settle in. He said every country has called, asking to cut a trade deal with the U.S. to avoid the tariffs.        Stocks are closing sharply lower one day after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. The S&P 500 had its worse day since 2020 as the White House announced a baseline tariff rate of ten-percent against most countries yesterday that will go into effect on Saturday. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 16-79 to 40-545. The S&P 500 lost 274 points to 53-96. The Nasdaq lost 10-50 points to 16-550.        A multi-day severe weather event is unfolding for more than 55-million people. It comes after at least seven people were killed in the South Central U.S. after storms that included several tornadoes hit the region yesterday. Tonight, there is still a tornado threat for the same areas, but forecasters warn there could also be potentially catastrophic flooding in the Mid-South and Midwest.        The Federal Aviation Administration is offering more support to air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport. The Critical Incident Stress Management team will be meeting with airport personnel sometime early this month. The FAA is also reviewing the arrival rate at the airport and will conduct regular wellness checks.        The Senate has confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The television personality was confirmed on a party-line vote of 53-45. Oz now assumes a role that provides health insurance to roughly 160 million Americans.        Steven Spielberg and George Lucas top the latest Forbes list of celebrity billionaires. The latest Forbes ranking of the world's wealthiest people includes 18 celebrities, with film director Steven Spielberg topping the list at five-point-three-billion dollars. Star Wars creator George Lucas is in second place with a net worth of five-point-one-billion dollars.       

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