This Week In The General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly for the week ending March 4, 2011. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

Williams bill makes seatbelt violation a primary offense

Legislation (2011-H 5449) has been introduced in the House making the failure to wear seatbelts by adults a primary offense. Currently, officers can cite seatbelt violations only if a primary offense has occurred. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence), was heard this week by the Committee on Judiciary. Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Smithfield) has introduced the bill (2011-S 0022) in the Senate.
Click here to see news release.

Senate, House pass resolution urging National Grid to check for stray voltage

The Senate and the House each voted to support two joint resolutions (2011-S 0379, 2011-H 5559) sponsored by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist.3, Providence) and Rep. Michael A. Tarro (D-Dist. 8, Providence) urging National Grid to immediately comb the streets of Rhode Island with the latest technology to detect electrocution hazards after a dog died after stepping on an electrified manhole cover in Providence. Each of the bills will now be sent to the other chamber for final approval.
Click here to see news release.

Duffy Messier bill would close polls an hour early

In an effort to avoid late nights for poll workers and voters awaiting election results, Rep. Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket, East Providence) has introduced legislation to close polls one hour earlier during Rhode Island elections. Under the legislation (2011-H 5088), polls across the state would close at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. Sen. David E. Bates (R-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol) is the sponsor of a similar bill (2011-S 0341) in the Senate requiring all polls in the state to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

     Click here to see news release.

Senate approves Bates child support bill

The Senate approved a measure (2011-S 0119) sponsored by Senator David E. Bates, (R-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol) to allow courts to re-establish child support that has been terminated, suspended or expired for children with a severe mental or physical impairment. Rep. Rene R. Menard (D-Dist. 45, Lincoln, Cumberland) is sponsoring similar legislation (2011-H 5216) in the House.
Click here to see news release.