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.

President Trump is making major changes in the form of tariffs on what he calls "Liberation Day." The tariffs cover a wide-range of products and are targeting several countries, including Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union. Trump says trading partners have "looted, pillaged, and raped" American industries for decades, leading to a loss of U.S. jobs and manufacturing.        The Midwest and South are being rocked by tornadoes. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has already issued a rare "high" risk severe weather outlook for the mid-South, mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys. Parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas, and Missouri are already under a tornado watch.        Federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams are being dropped. A federal judge issued the decision to toss the case this morning at the urging of the Department of Justice under President Trump. The Trump administration argued the corruption charges brought against Adams while Joe Biden was President were in retaliation for Adams' outspoken position against illegal immigration.        New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is recovering following a record 25-hour speech on the Senate floor. Booker started his marathon speech at seven o'clock Eastern time on Monday night in protest of the Trump Administration. The New Jersey Democrat is protesting President Trump's tariffs, steps he is making in dismantling the Department of Education, as well as several other polices, saying the nation is in crisis.        Amazon is reportedly making a bid to purchase TikTok. The New York Times reports the e-commerce giant has submitted a bid via office letter to Vice President Vance as well as commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. The deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell TikTok is Saturday or it will be banned.        The Nintendo Switch 2 is hitting shelves on June 5th. It costs 449-dollars for just the console and everything that comes with it, while customers can purchase a 500-dollar version that comes with Mario Kart World. The new device will be a bigger and faster version of the original Switch.       

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