Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the Rhode Island General Assembly this week.
- House passes bill notifying State Police and police in gun buyer’s hometown
The House of Representatives passed legislation (2020-H 7103Aaa) introduced by Rep. Daniel P. McKiernan (D-Dist. 7, Providence) that would require gun sellers to forward firearm applications to the superintendent of State Police and the police department of the city or town where the buyer resides. The measure now moves to the Senate where similar legislation (2020-S 2154) has been introduced by Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere (R-Dist. 38, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly).
Click here to see news release. - Senate passes Lynch Prata bill that raises the minimum wage to $11.50
The Senate has passed legislation (2020-S 2147A) introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Erin Lynch Prata (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) that would increase the hourly minimum wage to $11.50. The current minimum wage is $10.50 and was instituted on Jan. 1, 2019. Rep. David A. Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced similar legislation (2020-H 7157) in the House.
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- Senate introduces legislative package to address high prescription costs
The Senate introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing the high price of prescription drugs. The eight bills aim to reduce the cost of prescriptions by providing a pathway to import less-costly drugs from Canada, providing more market transparency, raising consumer awareness around price changes and limiting patients’ share of the costs.
Click here to see news release. - Leader Shekarchi bill would require full insurance coverage for EpiPens
House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) has introduced legislation (2020-H 7265) to require health insurers in Rhode Island to cover the full cost of life-saving epinephrine injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPen.
Click here to see news release. - Sen. Goodwin, Rep. Slater to submit Nursing Home Staffing Quality of Care Act
Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence) will be introducing legislation that will establish a nursing home minimum staffing standard, raise wages for caregivers, and provide needed training opportunities for caregivers.
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- Sen. Metts proposes reform of asset forfeiture law
Sen. Harold M. Metts (D-Dist. 6, Providence) is sponsoring legislation that aims to reform the state’s civil asset forfeiture laws to prevent Rhode Islanders from having their property unfairly seized or from facing an uphill battle to get it back when no crime has been proven.
Click here to see news release. - Bill would allow injured police dogs ambulance transport, EMT care
Rep. David A. Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced a bill (2020-H 7124) to allow EMTs to provide emergency care to police dogs injured on duty and transport them to a veterinary facility.
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- Rep. Shanley introduces Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust Act
Rep. Evan P. Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick) has introduced legislation that would create a state-run retirement savings program for employees who do not have access to a retirement savings plan through work. The legislation (2020-H 7461) would establish a public corporation that would act as an investment board for the retirement savings trust. It would also allow for the creation of IRA-type retirement investments managed by the investment board.
Click here to see news release. - Rep. McNamara bill would allow certain patients to use experimental drugs
Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation (2020-H 7266) that would create the Rhode Island Terminally Ill Patients Right to Try Act of 2020, which would establish the conditions for the use of experimental treatments. Under the legislation, a clinical trial patient would have the right to continue the experimental treatment in a hospital setting, provided the patient or guardian signs a waiver of liability in favor of the hospital and its staff.
Click here to see news release. - Sen. Gallo bill would allow, clarify funding of school field trips
Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) has introduced legislation that would allow school committees to budget funding for school field trips. The legislation would guarantee that all students have the same ability to attend field trips. It would also allow schools to raise funds to supplement field trip funding. Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced a similar bill (2020-H 7069A) in the House.
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