Last Week in the General Assembly

For more news from the Rhode Island General Assembly, visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

Same-sex marriage legislation becomes law

On a final House vote of 56 to 15, the General Assembly enacted legislation making Rhode Island the 10^th state in the nation to allow same-sex marriage, to cheers of advocates and citizens who have pursued passage of the legislation since it was first introduced in 1997. Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the bill into law about an hour later before hundreds gathered to watch the ceremony on the steps of the State House. The legislation (2013-H 5015B, 2013-S 38 A) was sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) and Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence).

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House Judiciary Committee takes testimony on gun safety bills

At a hearing that stretched late into the night, the House Judiciary Committee took testimony on the nine bills making up the House leadership’s gun safety package, as well as other bills concerning firearms. Among the more than 400 who signed up to testify was Newtown, Conn., Police Chief Michael Kehoe, who urged Rhode Island’s legislature to take action to prevent another tragedy like the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in his town.

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Senate OKs major component of ‘Rhode Back Home’ legislative package

The Senate has approved legislation (2013-S 0479A) creating a 13-member advisory committee that will establish a statewide Veterans’ Services Strategic Plan (VSSP). Sponsored by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), the bill is a major component of the “Pave the Rhode Back Home” legislative package to address the needs of the state’s veterans and their families. The VSSP to be developed will be a regularly updated five-year plan that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure all departments of state government deliver comprehensive services for veterans in areas such as benefits, employment and education. The House version of the bill (2013-H 5860) was introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston).

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House OKs bills to amend emergency ballot requirements

The House approved two bills (2013-H 5567, 2013-H 5568A) that will eliminate the requirement that voters provide an explanation when they apply for an emergency mail ballot. Enactment of the bills would make Rhode Island the 28^th state that does not require an explanation or excuse when applying for a mail ballot. The bills were sponsored by Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown). Similar Senate bills (2013-S 0445, 2013-S 0447) have been introduced by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick).

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Commissioner Gist addresses House, Senate on the State of Education

State Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist delivered the State of Education address to members of the House and the Senate in a joint session. In her speech, she touched on the topics of school safety, the state education funding formula, early childhood learning and technology in the classroom. She also addressed the many student successes achieved in connection with the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) and other endeavors throughout the state.

Kazarian speaks up in commemoration of the Armenian genocide

Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence), a fourth-generation Armenian-American, had the honor of commemorating the Armenian genocide of 1915 with a resolution (2013-H 6034) among her colleagues in the House. Many from the Armenian-American community were present in support of the resolution. Later that evening, Representative Kazarian also had the honor of serving as the master of ceremonies for a special commemoration at Providence City Hall. The program included a candlelight march from Saints Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church to City Hall, a Kamancha presentation by David Ayirian and a musical presentation from vocalist Shant Eghian. Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) sponsored a similar resolution (2013-S 873) in the Senate.

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