Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week.
- 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.
