Last Week at the General Assembly. . .

House Finance Committee approves 2014 state budget

The House Finance Committee approved an $8.2 billion 2014 state budget bill (2013-5127A) that includes no tax or fee increases, contains numerous economic development initiatives, fully funds the implementation of the school funding formula, adds funding to higher education and provides additional funding for cities and towns. The bill is scheduled to come before the full House Tuesday. Click here to see news release.

Anti-cheating law for new Twin River games enacted

In anticipation of the opening of table games at Twin River this week, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed legislation establishing criminal laws against cheating at casino games and creating a gaming enforcement unit within the State Police. The legislation (2013-S 979Aaa, 2013-H 6221aa) was sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and House Majority Leader Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston). Click here to see news release.

Assembly OKs ban on certain dangerous synthetic drugs

Legislation has been approved by the General Assembly and transmitted to the governor that will place synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones on the highly-regulated Schedule I drug list and ban their manufacture, sale and use in Rhode Island. Unlike the drug they attempt to mimic, these synthetic substances (sold under names such as K2 and Bath Salts) have been known to cause serious medical problems or lead to deadly health complications. Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) sponsored the House bill (2013-H 5325A) and Sen. Stephen R. Archambault (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston) introduced the Senate bill (2013-S 0454A). Click here to see news release.

‘Made in Rhode Island’ legislation headed to governor 

The General Assembly gave final passage to legislation (2013-S 809A, 2013-H 6030) sponsored by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) to establish the “Made in Rhode Island” collaborative, whose job it would be to promote the sale of goods manufactured or crafted in Rhode Island. Click here to see news release.

Legislation passed to establish statewide wetlands, septic standards

The General Assembly has given final passage to legislation that will move the state toward a consistent single set of environmental standards for wetlands and septic systems. Passed and now headed to the governor are the Senate bill (2013-S 0672A), sponsored by Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), and the House bill (2013-H 5425A), sponsored by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick). The bills call on the Division of Planning to establish a task force, including municipal representation, to prepare and submit a plan for statewide standards, by the end of 2014, that addresses onsite wastewater treatment systems regulation and watershed planning. Click here to see news release.

House passes fire district tax cap legislation

The House of Representatives passed legislation (2013-H 5930A), sponsored by Rep. James N. McLaughlin (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls), that would implement a tax levy cap for Rhode Island fire districts in order to put them more on par with municipal tax rates. The bill provides details for descending tax cap percentages for Fiscal Years 2016 through 2020. In its final stage, the cap decreases to the same percentage as cities and towns: 4 percent. Click here to see news release.

E-prescriptions for drugs on controlled substances list gets Assembly OK

 According to recent Department of Health figures, 68 percent of Rhode Island prescribers are using e-prescribing for new or renewal prescriptions. Legislation approved by the General Assembly (2013-H 5756B, 2013-S 0647B) will pave the way for even greater use of e-prescribing by allowing electronic data transmission of prescriptions for medications on the controlled substances schedules. Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) sponsored the House bill; Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) introduced the Senate bill. Click here to see news release.

Assembly OKs manufacturing training program for youth

The General Assembly approved legislation (2013-S 0950A, 2013-H 6062A), sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Rep. Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), revising labor laws to allow students to train during school hours in approved manufacturing career and technical programs. The legislation is aimed at allowing students interested in careers in today’s manufacturing industry to participate in programs that would prepare them for that field with training programs similar to career and technical high school programs for other industries, such as auto mechanics, construction and culinary arts. Click here to see news release.

Bills approved requiring CPR, defibrillator training for high school graduation

The General Assembly has passed and sent to the governor legislation that will require high school seniors to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in order to graduate. Sen. James E. Doyle II (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) sponsored the Senate bill (2013-S 0318) and Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) introduced the House bill (2013-H 5376). Click here to see news release.