Rhode Island’s General Assembly advanced a wide range of legislation this week, tackling issues from overdose prevention and public safety to tax reform and environmental alternatives for end-of-life care. Here are the key highlights:
Lifeguards, Rangers to Receive Narcan Training
A bill requiring full-time lifeguards and park rangers at public facilities to be trained in administering opioid antagonists like Narcan was approved by the legislature. Sponsored by Rep. William O’Brien and Sen. David Tikoian, the measure now heads to the governor.
AEDs Required on Golf Courses
Lawmakers passed the David Casey Act, introduced by Rep. Deborah Fellela and Sen. Andrew Dimitri, mandating automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on public and private golf courses across the state.
Harm Reduction Program Extended
A pilot program for harm reduction centers will continue for another four years under legislation from Rep. John Edwards. These centers offer supervised spaces for substance use along with health and recovery support.
Protection from Predatory Real Estate Practices
The Senate passed a bill from Sen. Matthew LaMountain targeting predatory real estate schemes that often affect seniors. A companion bill from Rep. Susan Donovan has already cleared the House.
Regulating Kratom in Rhode Island
The House passed the Rhode Island Kratom Act, introduced by Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy, which would regulate the sale and distribution of the controversial herbal substance. A Senate version is under review.
Support for Crime Victims
The Senate approved a bill from Majority Leader Frank Ciccone to fund the state’s Crime Victim Compensation Program through an added $1 fee on traffic violations. The House is reviewing a companion bill.
Combatting Human Trafficking in Commercial Driving
A bill by Sen. Brian Thompson requiring human trafficking awareness training for commercial drivers passed the Senate and is now under House consideration.
Eco-Friendly Burial Alternatives Approved
The House passed legislation from Rep. Michelle McGaw allowing natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis as greener burial options. A Senate version is also under review.
PURPLE Alert System for Vulnerable Adults
The Senate approved a bill from Sen. Todd Patalano to create a PURPLE alert system to help locate missing adults with serious disabilities. A House version has already passed.
Providence Granted One-Year Property Tax Increase Flexibility
In an effort to resolve longstanding school underfunding, the House approved a bill allowing Providence to raise its property tax levy up to 8% in FY2026. The Senate is reviewing the bill and related proposals, including progressive tax rates for high-value properties and potential fees for nonprofit colleges.
The legislative session continues as several of these bills await final approval from the governor or the opposite chamber.
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