Woonsocket Radio News Room

State House view from the southThis week at the

General Assembly

 

STATE HOUSE — Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease

 

 

§  Senate adopts McKenney rule change to post committee testimony online
The Senate passed legislation introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) adopting its rules for the 2025-26 session. The resolution (2025-S 0594) requires the online posting of written testimony received by Senate committees, similar to the process for the House of Representatives and joint legislative committees.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  House OKs bill to protect students’ privacy when using technology for school
The House approved legislation (2025-H 5176A) sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol) to regulate when public schools, school districts or third parties such as software providers can activate or access audio, video or recordings on public school students’ institutional or personal electronic devices. The bill now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown) is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-S 0232). 
Click here to see news release.

§  Senate passes Rogers bill on municipal sidewalk maintenance

The Senate passed legislation (2025-S 0057) introduced by Senate Minority Whip Gordon E. Rogers (R-Dist. 21, Foster, Coventry, Scituate, West Greenwich) that would require that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the state.  The legislation now heads to the House, where Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket) is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-H 5393).

Click here to see news release.

 

§  Senate OKs bill that would allow Warwick to create a school budget commission
The Senate passed legislation (2025-S 0242) introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) that would allow the city of Warwick to create a five-member commission to oversee the operations of Warwick Public Schools and present a preliminary analysis of the school district’s financial situation. The measure now moves to the House, which passed identical legislation (2025-H 5252A) introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston).
Click here to see news release.

 

  • RIBLIA Caucus announces 2025 legislative priorities
    The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus released its 2025 legislative policy agenda Tuesday at a press conference at the State House. The caucus is chaired by Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence) and Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence).

Click here to see news release.

 

  • Sen. Raptakis introduces ‘Cleaning Up RI’ legislative package

Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich) has reintroduced the “Cleaning Up RI” legislative package.  The first part of the package is legislation (2025-S 0139) that would stiffen the penalties for unsanctioned graffiti.  The second bill (2025-S 0130) would increase the fines and community service requirements for littering.  Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) is expected to introduce both bills in the House.

Click here to see news release.

 

  • Ujifusa, Cortvriend sponsor resolution seeking reversal of executive orders
    Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown) have introduced resolutions in their respective chambers calling on Rhode Island’s federal delegation to demand immediate reversal of President Donald Trump’s actions harming critical health and safety programs in the United States and worldwide.
    Click here to see news release.

 

  • Legislative leaders talk economy with Chamber of Commerce

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Senate Majority Leader Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence), House Majority Leader Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence), Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) joined the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Wednesday at its annual legislative luncheon for a discussion on legislative matters, the state budget and the economy.

 

§  Fogarty hosts celebration at State House in honor of International Women’s Day
Putting a spotlight on the smart, driven women of Rhode Island, Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) hosted a celebration of the United Nations-recognized International Women’s Day Tuesday Joining in the speaking program were Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) and Rep. Justine A. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich).
Click here to see news release.

Vice President JD Vance sees a double-standard when it comes to the media coverage of the leaked Signal group chat. Speaking from Greenland, Vance said the American media didn't seem to care when 13 U.S. service members died during the Afghanistan pullout under President Biden. Now, Vance says that same media demands someone get fired over a leaked group chat where no American died.        A halt on President Trump's use of a war time law to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members is being extended. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg extended his temporary restraining order on the Trump administration's application of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act until April 12th. Boasberg previously issued a two week freeze on using the law earlier this month.        A judge is pausing President Trump's dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Trump has been trying to overhaul the watchdog agency, but is facing legal pushback. On Friday, a judge ruled the CFPB will stay up and running until the legal challenges are resolved.        Elon Musk's AI startup is buying the social media platform X, which he also owns. On Friday, Musk announced xAI [[ X-AI ]] acquired X in an all-stock transaction for 45-billion-dollars. He said they're officially making steps to combine the data, models, distribution, and talent.        Utah is the first state to put a ban on fluoride in public water. The mineral is known to help prevent tooth decay. Governor Spencer Cox signed the bill this week and it goes into effect May 7th. While his signature was the final step necessary in the process, he told ABC4 Utah earlier this month that "it's not a bill I care that much about."        The Baltimore Ravens are locking down their future head coach. The team announced its decision to extend John Harbaugh for three more seasons. Harbaugh has coached the Ravens since 2008 and has won the most games in franchise history, with 172 regular season wins and 13 postseason victories.       

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