This Week at The General Assembly

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 approves new agreement with Bally’s, IGT

The General Assembly approved amended legislation introduced by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) to strengthen the agreement between the State of Rhode Island and IGT and Bally’s Corporation, which operates Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Tiverton Casino Hotel. The legislation (2021-H 5223A, 2021-S 0040A) will be sent to Gov. Dan McKee, who intends to sign it.
Click here to see news release.

§ General Assembly passes legislation that bans child marriages in Rhode Island

The General Assembly passed Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) and Sen. John P. Burke’s (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick) legislation (2021-H 5387A, 2021-S 0398aa) that bans child marriages in Rhode Island. The legislation eliminates all language in state law that allowed persons under the age of 18 to obtain a marriage license with parental consent.

Click here to see news release.

§ Measures to limit insulin copays to $40 advance in both chambers
Both the House and the Senate approved bills to limit insured patients’ copays for insulin used to treat diabetes to $40 for a 30-day supply. The Senate approved its bill (2021-S 0170A), sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield), and the House approved a companion measure (2021-H 5196Aaa) sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly). Each bill now goes to the other chamber.
Click here to see Senate news release.
Click here to see House news release.

§ Senate OKs bill requiring 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030
The Senate passed legislation (2021-S 0629A) introduced by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) to require by 2030 that 100 percent of electricity sold in Rhode Island be generated from renewable sources. It would codify a similar executive order from former Gov. Gina Raimondo in January 2020. The bill now goes to the House.
Click here to see news release.

§ House OKs bill aimed at expanding broadband availability, affordability
The House approved legislation sponsored by House Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee Chairwoman Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) to strategically cultivate expanded broadband service statewide. The legislation (2021-H 5148A) would create a Broadband Council and establish a broadband coordinator within the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to better position Rhode Island to access federal funding, address issues of high-speed internet access, and leverage economic development opportunities. The legislation now goes to the Senate, where Sen. James A. Seveney (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol, Tiverton) is sponsoring a companion measure (2021-S 0896).
Click here to see news release.

§ Senate OKs bill to give family caregivers access to residents in nursing homes
The Senate passed legislation (2021- S 0006A) introduced by Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) that would allow nursing home residents to be visited by certain family members or caregivers during a state of emergency. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where similar legislation (2021-H 5543) has been introduced by Rep. June Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Bristol Warren).
Click here to see news release.

§ Senate OKs bill barring insurers from charging copays for COVID treatments
The Senate passed legislation (2021-S 0877A) introduced by Sen. Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown) that would prohibit health insurance companies from charging copays for COVID-related treatments. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where similar legislation (2021-H 6208) has been introduced by Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence).
Click here to see news release.

§ House passes bill that streamlines ESL and ELL teacher certifications

The House of Representatives passed Rep. Nathan W. Biah’s (D-Dist. 3, Providence) legislation (2021-H 5829A) that would streamline the English as a second language (ESL) and/or English language learner (ELL) teaching certification process. The purpose of the legislation is to increase the number and percentage of teachers in the state that are certified as ESL and/or ELL teachers. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Click here to see news release

§ Senate passes Sosnowski legislation allowing for the direct dockside sale of fish
The Senate passed legislation (2021-S 0206A) introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, New Shoreham, South Kingstown) that would allow for the direct dockside sale of fish. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where similar legislation (2021-H 5921) has been introduced by Rep. Justin K. Price (R-Dist. 39, Richmond, Hopkinton, Exeter).
Click here to see news release.

§ House OKs bill requiring officials to publish data on school resource officers
The House of Representatives passed legislation (2021-H 5827A) introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) that would require the Department of Education in coordination with the attorney general to collect and publish data concerning school resource officers in each district, including use of force against students, arrests, and referrals to law enforcement or courts. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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.

Former President Trump is back in court as his criminal hush money trial continues. Former Michael Cohen associate Gary Farro is now on the stand. This comes after jurors heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who gave details this week on how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Meanwhile, the judge in the case has said he'll consider four more Trump gag order violations being alleged by the prosecution. President Biden is willing to debate Donald Trump ahead of the November presidential election. During an interview today with radio host Howard Stern, Biden said he doesn't know when, but that he'd be happy to debate Trump. The comment comes as the Biden campaign has declined to commit to a debate for months. The Biden administration is making it clear to House Speaker Mike Johnson it's up to state governors to decide if the National Guard should be brought in to combat pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. Johnson called on President Biden to call in the National Guard after visiting Columbia University on Wednesday. The Speaker said "there is an appropriate time for the National Guard" if the protests aren't contained quickly. The U.S. is calling on China to stop supporting Russia's war on Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today. Blinken told reporters he raised concerns with Chinese officials over the country's support for Russia's military. He added that Moscow would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's backing. Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It's an opportunity for folks to safely dispose of their prescription drugs that are no longer needed. The goal is to keep prescription painkillers from being misused. The NFL Draft continues tonight with rounds two and three. A record 23 offensive players were taken in the first round yesterday. Top players still on the board include Cooper DeJean, Jer'Zhan Newton, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Ladd McConkey. USC quarterback Caleb Williams was taken with the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears.