Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the Rhode Island General Assembly this week:
Senate Approves Bill for Video Monitoring on New School Buses
The Senate approved legislation (2025-S 0568) introduced by Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence) that would require all new school buses to be equipped with digital video systems to monitor school bus violations. The bill now heads to the House, where similar legislation (2025-H 5421) has been introduced by Rep. Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick).
House OKs Bill Adding Protective Hairstyles to Racial Discrimination Law
The House of Representatives passed legislation (2025-H 5841) introduced by Rep. Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. The bill now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2025-S 0519) has been introduced by Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence).
House OKs Bill Allowing Utilities to Purchase Clean Nuclear Power
The House approved legislation (2025-H 5575A) introduced by Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) that would allow public utilities to purchase clean, safe nuclear power from out-of-state facilities. The bill now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2025-S 0318) has been introduced by Sen. David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence).
House OKs ‘PURPLE Alert’ Bill for Missing Individuals with Disabilities
The House passed legislation (2025-H 6165A) sponsored by Rep. Tina L. Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly) to establish a “PURPLE alert” system for missing adults with serious disabilities. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Todd M. Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) has introduced similar legislation (2025-S 0983).
House OKs Bill Requiring Changing Stations in New Public Buildings
The House passed legislation (2025-H 5611) introduced by Rep. Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) to require enclosed changing facilities in new public buildings. The bill now heads to the Senate, where companion legislation (2025-S 0387) has been introduced by Sen. Peter A. Appollonio Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Warwick).
Senate OKs Bill to Cover Community Health Worker Services
The Senate approved legislation (2025-S 0705) from Sen. Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham) to provide stable funding for community health workers by requiring private insurance to cover their services. The bill now heads to the House, where Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) has introduced companion legislation (2025-H 6117).
Senate OKs Medicare Supplement Consumer Protections Bill
The Senate approved legislation (2025-S 0610A) from Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) to establish consumer protections related to Medicare supplemental insurance plans. The bill now moves to the House, where Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) has introduced similar legislation (2025-H 5494).
House Approves Bill Requiring Utility Customer Service Facilities in-State
The House passed legislation (2025-H 6033A) sponsored by Deputy Speaker Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence) to require all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
House Passes Human Trafficking Prevention Act
The House passed the Human Trafficking Prevention Notice and Training Act (2025-H 5563) sponsored by Rep. Matthew S. Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence). The bill would require hotel employees and short-term rental property operators to receive human trafficking awareness training annually. It now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston) has introduced similar legislation (2025-S 0549).
Senate OKs Bill Mandating Insurance Coverage for Infertility
The Senate approved legislation (2025-S 0103) from Sen. Lori Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) to mandate that insurance cover the cost of diagnosing and treating infertility for women using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with in vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
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