STATE HOUSE – From election access and veteran benefits to water quality and mental health, Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a wide-ranging slate of measures this week at the General Assembly.
The House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. William O’Brien of North Providence that preserves the use of electronically transmitted ballots for voters who are disabled or serving in the military.
Lawmakers also revisited a troubling chapter of state history. Rep. Joseph Solomon Jr. of Warwick introduced a resolution to rescind Rhode Island’s 1861 ratification of a pro-slavery constitutional amendment. If adopted, Rhode Island would join other states that have formally reversed their support, leaving Kentucky as the lone remaining signatory.
Public safety and infrastructure were also in focus. House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy introduced legislation to add telecommunications equipment to existing laws protecting utility infrastructure from vandalism and tampering.
Veterans’ benefits advanced with legislation from Senate President Valarie J. Lawson and Rep. Jenni A. Furtado that would expand eligibility for disabled veteran license plates and waive certain vehicle registration and licensing fees.
O’Brien also reintroduced a bill to repeal Rhode Island’s ban on social gaming, aiming to legalize informal activities like Super Bowl squares and March Madness pools when no outside party profits.
In enforcement news, Attorney General Peter Neronha announced a legal victory protecting independent pharmacies under a law enacted last year, following action against a pharmacy benefits manager for violations.
The week closed with international recognition for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who received a 2025 Public Officials Award from the Water Environment Federation for his leadership on water quality and environmental protection.
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