Government
Public services and government action
Rep Shanley introduces legislation enabling the creation of 'volunteer school security force' SROs
Representative Evan Shanley (Democrat, District 24, Warwick) just introduced House bill H6284, which would enable "the creation of a volunteer school security force" made up of retired police officers and ex-military.
Smithfield School Committee considering policy to out LGBTQ students to parents
The Smithfield School Committee's recent discussion about their policy on transgender, gender nonconforming, and transitioning students has raised serious concerns. The proposed changes may go against best practices recommended by Rhode Island's Department of Education and possibly state and federal laws. The Committee Chair, Vice-Chair, and a Committeemember, all Republicans, insisted they were only trying to align the policy with their beliefs on parental rights, but their statements revealed a lack of understanding about the issues and a clear right-wing ideological bias.
A crucial turning point: state legislators consider overhauling police accountability
Rhode Island’s General Assembly is considering legislative changes focused on LEOBOR [de]certification, and APRA, potentially changing the state’s approach to police accountability. With an aim to bridge the gap between the police and the policed, will these changes lead to an improvement in public trust of law enforcement?
Rhode Island corrections union President accused of intimidating solitary confinement reform witness
Richard Ferruccio, President of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, is under fire for using intimidation tactics against a man testifying on solitary confinement reform. He has previously released confidential records, potentially violating state law. This alarming behavior is raising concerns about the misuse of power within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
RIPTA's R-Line fare-free pilot boosts ridership by 40%
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's (RIPTA) R-Line free-fare pilot program has led to a 40% increase in ridership within six months. Launched in September 2022, the one-year pilot aims to study the costs and benefits of fare-free service, with findings suggesting better access to shopping and savings for passengers.
Controversial education bills spark heated debate in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's House Education Committee heard opposition to four controversial bills submitted by State Representative Patricia Morgan. The bills work to attack the rights of marginalized students, undermine public education, and promote a narrow-minded view of history and sexuality, negatively impacting LGBTQI+, Black, and Brown communities.
Progressive reforms: Speaker Shekarchi addresses reproductive rights and innovative housing solutions
Rhode Island House Speaker Shekarchi anticipates a vote on the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act in April, expanding reproductive rights. He also expresses commitment to a social housing pilot program, modeled after Montgomery County, Maryland's successful approach, to address affordable housing challenges and foster inclusivity in the state.
Looming Medicaid Tsunami: Overburdened Rhode Island DHS Faces Renewal Crisis
Rhode Island's Department of Human Services grapples with staff shortages and a surge in Medicaid renewals as the COVID emergency ends. The crisis threatens to leave thousands with long wait times and potential gaps in medical coverage.
Underpass encampment in Pawtucket issued eviction notices
Unhoused people living beneath a Route 95 overpass in Pawtucket were served eviction notices on Friday by the State of Rhode Island and the City of Pawtucket. Unhoused evictions are a legal procedure to clear unwanted people from a location the state or a private property owner is laying claim to.
Rep. Quattrocchi asks LGBTQ legislator if she's a pedophile at committee hearing
After State Representative Rebecca Kislak (Democrat, District 4, Providence) introduced the Equity Impact Statement Act on Friday in the House Committee on State Government and Elections, the committee welcomed questions. Shortly after this exchange Representative Quattrocchi packed up his stuff and left the hearing.