This Week In The General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly for the week ending May 6, 2011. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

Rep. Petrarca introduces bill to recognize civil unions

 Rep. Peter J. Petrarca (D-Dist. 44, Lincoln, Johnston, Smithfield) has introduced legislation to allow civil unions for same-sex couples in Rhode Island. The bill
(2011-H 6103), which is modeled after laws recently approved in Illinois,         Delaware and Hawaii, would grant same-sex couples all of the state rights afforded to married couples in Rhode Island.

Click here to see news release.

Newberry becomes House minority leader

The House Minority Caucus elected Rep. Brian C. Newberry (R-Dist. 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville) its new leader. Newberry, an attorney who is serving his second term in the House and was previously the minority whip, replaces Rep. Robert A. Watson (R-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), who continues to serve as a representative. Rep. Joseph A. Trillo (R-Dist. 24, Warwick) became minority whip.

Senate approves ban on youth tanning
The Senate approved legislation that would ban those younger than 18 from using tanning facilities. The legislation (2011-S 0106), sponsored by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence), is meant as a way to curb the intentional exposure of children to cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation and prevent them from forming habits early in life that have a high cancer risk. Rep. Eileen S. Naughton (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) is sponsoring similar legislation (2011-H 5627) in the House.

Click here to see news release.

Senate OKs bill extending Military Relief Fund benefits to active duty members
The Senate approved legislation (2011-S 0824) to extend the benefits of the Rhode Island Military Relief Fund to the state’s active duty service members. Since the program began in 2004, it has been available only to Reserve members and their families who are deployed or called to active duty. The Senate bill was sponsored by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren). Identical House legislation (2011-H 6069) has been introduced by Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth).

Click here to see news release.