Rhode Island General Assembly Advances Major Housing, Health, and Workplace Bills
Lawmakers in the Rhode Island General Assembly made progress this week on a wide array of legislation, including key bills targeting the state’s housing crisis, prescription drug costs, and workplace protections.
The House passed the final two bills in House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s 12-bill housing package, including measures to clarify the role of the State Building Code Commissioner and to allow the subdivision of large lots. Meanwhile, the Senate approved several complementary housing bills, including the revival of a long-dormant state board focused on sustainable housing, and a proposed Housing Champion program to reward municipalities addressing housing needs.
The Senate also advanced a bill from Sen. Bridget Valverde to protect the federal 340B discount prescription program, ensuring safety-net hospitals and clinics can continue to afford medications for underserved populations.
In education, the Senate approved legislation from Sen. Melissa Murray requiring schools to adopt policies that restrict students’ use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
Libraries and free expression received a boost with Senate passage of the Freedom to Read Act, aimed at preventing book bans based on political or doctrinal objections.
Other key measures passed this week include:
A House bill from Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith updating licensing for speech-language pathology assistants.
Two Senate bills requiring Narcan training for public lifeguards and defibrillators on golf courses.
A bill from Senate President Valarie Lawson to limit self-checkout lanes in grocery stores.
Legislation from Sen. Lori Urso to prevent delays in addiction treatment medication.
A workplace safety bill from Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone targeting bullying and harassment.
A prescription drug pricing cap from Sen. Louis DiPalma tied to Medicare-negotiated rates.
All bills now await consideration in the opposite chamber.
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