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 New York trial of former President Donald Trump is set to resume today with the judge deciding if Trump has violated his gag order. Prosecutors want him fined three-thousand bucks. Trump supporters say it's unconstitutional that Trump is limited to what he can talk about, while everyone else is allowed to speak freely about the case       All ten House Republicans from New York are calling on the Columbia University president to resign. This comes as hundreds of students have occupied the campus for days, protesting the Biden administration's response to the Israel-Hamas war.        The Supreme Court said Monday it will take up the issue of ghost guns. The weapons made from kits and can be bought with no background check. The ATF recently changed the rules, giving the government more power to regulate them. The question now before the high court is whether the A-T-F has the power to change gun rules or if that must come from Congress.       Robert F. Kennedy Junior wants the entire U.S. budget available on blockchain if elected. The Independent candidate said during a rally in Michigan on Sunday that it would allow any American to look at the budget any time. The blockchain is a ledger of transactions that is typically associated with cryptocurrency.        A recent poll suggests professionals in the U.S. are increasingly feeling a shortfall in the support provided by their employers for workplace well-being. This is despite over eighty percent of employees stating the importance of mental health support when seeking job opportunities. The poll by recruitment firm Robert Walters, shows sixty percent of professionals think employers should be doing more to preserve employee well-being.        Popular clothing retailer Express Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to close 100 stores across the U.S.. Express, which also owns Bonobos and UpWest, said it will close 95 of its Express stores and all of its UpWest locations. The retailer said that it received a non-binding letter of intent from a group of investors to purchase the company.        

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