Rep. Edwards To Create Committee to Address 'Archaic Statutes'

Rep. John G. Edwards (D – Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) wants to change out-of-date laws and regulations, especially ones that may inhibit business growth.

“It’s time we have a committee that sits down, reads through some of these older statutes and makes recommendations to repeal rules that hold no relevance in 2013,” Rep. Edwards said. “The joint committee would also target ‘business-unfriendly’ wording and redundant language in our books. We’re supposed to be doing everything we can to encourage economic growth.

"Well, it’s the little things that count sometimes and I think this is something that just needs to be done. There are a lot of arbitrary statutes and cumbersome regulations that need to go.”

Rep. Edwards’ legislation (2012-H 5207) would create the Joint Committee of the Repealer, which would effectively compile suggestions for the repeal of statutes, regulations and executive orders received from citizens, businesses and government agencies.

“There is a law from the 1950s that requires drivers who go to pass a vehicle on the left to honk,” Representative Edwards said. “There is also a 1980 law establishing an apiary committee and numerous laws still on the books that pertain to horses as the current mode of transportation. So yes, we have a few outdated statutes and while some of them may seem amusing, I think it’s our duty to comb through these laws and get rid of them.”

Cosponsors for the House legislation include Representatives Dennis M. Canario (D – Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton), Minority Leader Brian C. Newberry (R – Dist. 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville), Majority Whip Stephen R. Ucci (D – Dist. 42, Johnston, Cranston) and Samuel A. Azzinaro (D – Dist. 37, Westerly). It has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.