This Week At the General Assembly

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.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

  Primary offense for seatbelt violations in Rhode Island remains in place With the 2011 seatbelt law set to expire on June 30, the House of Representatives voted to repeal the sunset provision so that failure to wear seatbelts by adults will remain a primary offense in Rhode Island. The House passed the bill (2013-H 5140), sponsored by Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9,Providence). Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) sponsors the Senate companion bill (2013-S 0352). Click here to see news release. Senate OKs Crowley bill to use technology to catch Medicaid waste and fraud  The Senate approved legislation (2013-S 29A) sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) to require the state to…

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Local Senators Tour Coventry Neighborhoods Near Asphalt Plants

Studies are currently being done to evaluate the effect of asphalt plants near residential areas.

  Sen. Juan M. Pichardo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, joined Coventry Senators Leonidas P. Raptakis and Nicholas D. Kettle, also a member of the committee, in a visit with neighbors of Coventry asphalt plants near the Westwood Estates and Wood Estates neighborhoods. Sen. Pichardo (D – Dist. 2, Providence) noted that legislation sponsored by Senators Raptakis and Kettle relating to the facilities is under consideration in the Housing & Municipal Government Committee. “The Housing & Municipal Government Committee considers many pieces of legislation which have an impact on specific local areas in the cities and towns across the state,” said Sen. Pichardo. “My intention as chairman is to take a hands-on …

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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.rilin.state.ri.us/News.

  Same-sex marriage legislation becomes law  On a final House vote of 56 to 15, the General Assembly enacted legislation making Rhode Island the 10thstate in the nation to allow same-sex marriage, to cheers of advocates and citizens who have pursued passage of the legislation since it was first introduced in 1997. The governor signed the bill into law about an hour later before hundreds gathered to watch the ceremony on the steps of the State House. The legislation (2013-H 5015B, 2013-S 38 A) was sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) and Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence). Click here to see news release.   House Judiciary Committee takes testimony on gun safety bills At a hearing that …

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Same-sex Marriage Bill Becomes Law

Governor signs historic bill after final passage by House.

  STATE HOUSE – With Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee’s signature shortly after a 56-15 vote House, same-sex marriage became law in Rhode Island Thursday, to cheers of advocates and citizens who have pursued passage of the legislation since it was first introduced in Rhode Island in 1997. “This is a great day in Rhode Island, not just for the many Rhode Island families who will now get the recognition and equality that they so richly deserve, and not only for the thousands who have been fighting for decades for the dignity and rights of all citizens. It is also a wonderful day for the generations of future Rhode Islanders who may never know a time when some people didn’t have all the same rights as others, and who hopefully will grow up wondering …

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Same-sex Marriage Bill Wins Final Approval in House

Governor to sign historic bill within moments

  STATE HOUSE – With a final vote in the House today of 56 to 15, the General Assembly has enacted same-sex marriage in Rhode Island, to cheers of advocates and citizens who have pursued passage of the legislation since it was first introduced in Rhode Island in 1997. “This is a great day in Rhode Island, not just for the many Rhode Island families who will now get the recognition and equality that they so richly deserve, and not only for the thousands who have been fighting for decades for the dignity and rights of all citizens. It is also a wonderful day for the generations of future Rhode Islanders who may never know a time when some people didn’t have all the same rights as others, and who hopefully will grow up wondering how on earth …

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This Week At the General Assembly

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.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

This Week At the General Assembly

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.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

  Senate approves same-sex marriage bill In a 26-to-12 vote, the Senate approved legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry in Rhode Island, effective Aug. 1. The bills (2013-S 0038A, 2013-H 5015B), sponsored by Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) and Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston), still have to clear an additional House vote before they can be sent to the governor. That vote is tentatively expected Thursday, following a Judiciary Committee vote on Tuesday. Click here to see news release. House leaders unveil economic development package At a news conference led by Speaker Gordon D. Fox (D-Dist. 4, Providence), House leaders presented a package of 18 bills developed to improve the coordination …

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RI Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage, 26-12

"With the Senate's approval, the bill now goes back to the House for approval, then to Gov. Lincoln Chafee for his signature."

  In a 26-12 vote, the Rhode Island Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow same-sex marriage in the state, the last in New England to approve such a measure. The House of Representatives voted 51-19 on Jan. 25 to approve that chamber's version of the bill. Should the House pass the Senate version, the legislation would go to Gov. Lincoln Chafee, who has pledged his support. Sen. Lou Raptakis (D-Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted Tuesday in favor of amended Senate Bill 38 (S38), which defines marriage as "the legally recognized union" of two people, regardless of gender. He reaffirmed his decision today, once again voting in favor of marriage equality. Sen. Nick Kettle…

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Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill, 7-4

A Senate vote may take place as early as Wednesday.

  Rhode Island took one step closer to the legalization of same-sex marriage on Tuesday following Judiciary Committee passage of a bill that would allow gay couples to marry in the state. With little debate, the 10-member Senate committee, which includes Sen. Lou Raptakis of Coventry, voted 7-4 to pass the amended Senate Bill 38 (S38), sponsored by Sen. Donna Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket). The bill defines marriage as "the legally recognized union" of two people, regardless of gender. The seven Committee members who voted in favor of the bill include Sens. Stephen Archambault, William Conley, Dawson Hodgson, Paul Jabour, Erin Lynch, Nesselbush and Raptakis. Committee Chairman Mike McCaffrey, Sens. Frank Lombardi and Harold Metts, and Senate …

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James Crowley

3:26 am on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Taxer, I'm not sure I understand what you're afraid of. What does gay marriage have to do with your children's education?   more ›