Several key legislative actions took place in the Rhode Island General Assembly this week, with notable developments in housing, environmental policy, veterans’ affairs, and more.
Senate Leadership Change Valarie J. Lawson (D-East Providence) was elected President of the Rhode Island Senate, succeeding the late Dominick J. Ruggerio. Additionally, Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Providence, Johnston) was named Senate Majority Leader.
Housing Bills Pass in the House The House approved three bills from House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s housing package. These bills aim to increase flexibility in local tax levies for new housing, clarify zoning processes, and allow property buyers to rely on local zoning certificates.
Biosolid Testing Bill Advances A bill sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Portsmouth, Middletown) requiring biosolid testing for PFAS contamination passed the House. This legislation addresses concerns raised by contamination incidents in Maine, where PFAS-tainted biosolids had polluted farm soil and water.
Insurance Premium Protection Rep. Patricia A. Serpa’s (D-West Warwick) legislation to prevent insurance premium hikes due to policy inquiries passed the House. This bill ensures that policyholders won’t face increased premiums simply for asking about policy terms.
Veterans’ Protection Bill Moves Forward The House also approved Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro’s (D-Westerly) bill that aims to protect veterans from unethical conduct and improper fees when filing for disability benefits with the VA.
Public Rights of Way Preservation Rep. Cortvriend’s bill to preserve public access to roads and paths was approved. It allows municipalities to abandon roads for vehicular traffic while maintaining public easements for pedestrian or bicycle access, especially important for coastal areas affected by climate change.
Sakonnet Bridge Renaming The General Assembly passed legislation to rename the Sakonnet Bridge in honor of Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. The bridge will be renamed the “Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts Sakonnet River Bridge.”
340B Drug Program Protection Legislators have united to protect the 340B discount drug program, preventing insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against community health care providers who participate in the program.
Flood Audit Program Proposed Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Newport) introduced a bill to create a flood audit program that would help homeowners and business owners assess flood risks and improve resilience against climate change-related flooding.
Labor and Gaming Committee Chair Appointment Senate President Lawson appointed Sen. John P. Burke (D-West Warwick) as the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming. Burke takes over from Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III, who was recently elected Majority Leader.
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