STATE HOUSE — Rhode Island lawmakers introduced a wide range of legislation this week at the General Assembly, covering issues from gun industry accountability and road safety to workforce shortages, insurance protections and digital transparency.
One proposal from Sen. Pamela J. Lauria, D-Barrington, and Rep. Susan R. Donovan, D-Bristol, would allow civil negligence lawsuits against gun manufacturers or sellers that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent illegal acquisition or modification of firearms. Supporters say the measure aims to strengthen public safety by holding the gun industry accountable under certain circumstances.
State leaders also marked the closing of the sale of two major Rhode Island hospitals. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie J. Lawson joined Gov. Dan McKee and Attorney General Peter Neronha at a ceremony celebrating the transfer of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital to the nonprofit Centurion Foundation. The deal was supported by legislation dedicating $18 million from the state’s supplemental rainy-day fund to help facilitate the acquisition while including safeguards for taxpayers.
Lawmakers also revisited environmental funding proposals. Sen. Louis P. DiPalma and Rep. Megan L. Cotter introduced legislation to expand the state’s proposed “green bond” by adding land preservation programs ahead of the November ballot.
Several other measures were heard or introduced this week:
- Rep. Cherie L. Cruz and Sen. Robert Britto proposed legislation requiring veterinarians to provide clearer medication information to pet owners.
- Deputy Speaker Raymond A. Hull introduced a Homeowner Casualty Insurance Bill of Rights outlining policyholder protections when filing insurance claims.
- Rep. Julie A. Casimiro proposed the “Super Speeder Accountability Act,” targeting repeat reckless drivers with enhanced penalties.
- Sen. Alana M. DiMario introduced legislation creating a loan-repayment program aimed at attracting workers to high-need professions in Rhode Island.
- Rep. Brandon Potter filed a bill requiring social media and digital platforms to disclose more information about the content users see, including material generated or altered by artificial intelligence.
- Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III and Rep. Enrique George Sanchez introduced legislation requiring electric bills to include a visual breakdown of charges to make them easier for customers to understand.
- Rep. Tina L. Spears and Sen. Victoria Gu proposed legislation to support mobile community medicine programs that allow paramedics to treat some patients in place rather than transporting them to hospitals.
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