This week at the General Assembly

PROVIDENCE— Some of the events that took place in the General Assembly this week, according to Statehouse publicists, include:

Bill would require carbon monoxide detectors in schools

Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation (2018-H 7041) that would require all school buildings where students are in attendance to have carbon monoxide detectors installed and maintained. The act would also authorize the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review to promulgate rules and regulations to enforce the provisions of the requirement.

Proposal to study creating office of inspector general

Rep. Evan P. Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick) has introduced a resolution (2018-H 7245) that would create a nine-member special study commission whose purpose would be to make a comprehensive study of the benefits, ramifications/fiscal impact, cost and appointment process for creating the office of an inspector general.

Resolution asks PUC to revisit rate hike approval

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution (2018-H 7256) introduced by Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly), Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, that requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to provide immediate rate relief to Rhode Islanders by reopening the dockets for all recently approved electric and gas rate increases from which National Grid will realize tax savings this year.

Taking aim at Rhode Island’s ‘archaic’ laws

House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) is looking to wipe out the state’s archaic laws one by one. In addition to several acts of repeal, he has introduced legislation (2018-H 7220) that would create the Joint Committee of the Repealer, which would effectively compile suggestions for repeal of statutes and regulations that are archaic and out of date.

Greater penalties on cars in handicapped spaces

Rep. Robert Nardolillo III (R-Dist. 28, Coventry) will introduce legislation to increase penalties on drivers who knowingly park in designated handicapped spaces without a placard.

Bill encourages settlements in pension bankruptcy

President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) re-submitted legislation (2018-S 2112) that would encourage court settlements in the event claims are made as part of the St. Joseph Health Services pension fund bankruptcy case. The legislation encourages parties to enter into a settlement.