This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. 
 
Senate OKs resolution opposing Weaver’s Cove LNG
The Senate approved a resolution opposing the proposed Weaver’s Cove offshore berth for liquefied natural gas. Introduced by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), the resolution (2011-S 0456) resulted from the work of the Senate Task Force on LNG that was established in January 2010 to research the proposed LNG operation in Mount Hope Bay. It calls on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to deny the necessary approvals for the project.

Senate passes health exchange bill
Legislation submitted by President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) to establish a health benefit exchange in Rhode Island won approval of the Senate. The health benefit exchange, the centerpiece of state implementation of national health care reform, is a marketplace, virtual or actual, through which small businesses and individuals can learn about their health insurance options and available subsidies. The bill (2011-S 0087A) now goes to the House for consideration.

Legislative leaders, governor sponsor transportation funding forum
House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee sponsored a forum for legislators, state officials and other interested parties on the state’s transportation funding crisis with the goal of developing and implementing sustainable plans to manage the state’s vital transportation network.

Paw Sox opening day is now Ben Mondor Day
To honor the legacy of late Pawtucket Red Sox owner Ben Mondor, the House and Senate approved resolutions (2011-H 6013, 2011-S 0812) annually declaring opening day of the Pawtucket Red Sox to be “Ben Mondor Day.” Rep. Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket, East Providence) sponsored the House measure, while Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket) sponsored the Senate version.

Sen. Sosnowski bill would expand screenings for newborns
The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnoswki (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) requiring attending physicians of newborns to test them for harmful and potentially fatal disorders that are not otherwise apparent at birth. Under the bill (2011-S 0200), in addition to testing for metabolic, endocrine and hemoglobinopathy disorders, physicians would be required to screen for all diseases for which there is a medical benefit to early detection and treatment. 

Bill would bar cell phone use by drivers under age 21
With increased reliance on cell phones leading to a rise in the number of people who use the devices while driving, Sen. Frank Lombardo III (D-Dist. 25, Johnston) has introduced legislation (2011-S 0346) that will prohibit drivers under age 21 from using a non-hands-free mobile telephone while driving on any highway, road or street in the state.

Fogarty bill asks voters whether it’s time for a constitutional convention
Sen. Paul W. Fogarty (D-Dist. 23, Glocester, Burrillville, North Smithfield) is sponsoring legislation (2011-S 0796) to ask voters in the 2012 election whether they want the state to have a constitutional convention to update the state constitution.

Crowley introduces cardiac screening, prevention program for at-risk women
Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Cumberland) has introduced legislation (2011-S 0060) to establish a cardiovascular disease screening and lifestyle-intervention pilot program for at-risk women in the state’s urban communities.
Click here to see news release.

Higher Education Commission meets with CCRI president, policy expert
The House Commission on Public Higher Education Accessibility and Affordability met with CCRI President Ray M. Di Pasquale and Patrick M. Callan, president of the National Center For Public Policy and Higher Education, in separate meetings in its continuing effort to identify ways to make higher education possible for more Rhode Islanders.