[0:02] The Senate will please come to order. I would ask all members, please take their seats and that all guests, please clear the aisles.

[0:15] If the clerk would please elect the machine for the purposes of recording attendance for today's session.

[0:34] Full members have cast their votes. Will the clerk elect the machine please?

[0:38] There are 30 members in attendance. There is a quorum.

[0:42] For us, for all members in their guests, please rise with invocation of pledge allegiance

[0:47] to be led today by Chairman, Matthew L. Lamonton, representing the cities of Warwick and

[0:54] Cranston.

[1:04] Yes, I'm just too.

[1:06] Please proceed, Chairman.

[1:07] Thank you.

[1:09] Thank you.

[1:10] I'm always good to be a sub.

[1:12] Dear God, please bless us through in our final days of adjournment that we all enjoy the

[1:18] months ahead until we all meet again in this chamber, hopefully through positive elections,

[1:24] to assist our fellow Rhode Islanders. Amen.

[1:28] I pledge immediately.

[1:43] The first sort of business is the reading of the previous day's journal. Will the

[1:48] collect please read?

[1:49] State of Rhode Island Journal of the Senate, January session in the January

[1:52] Would you ever feel like?

[1:53] I move that to journal for the reading of the journal be dispensed with and the journal

[1:58] be accepted as printed.

[1:59] Hearing no objections, so we'll next start a business is the introduction of guests, are there any guests in the chamber?

[2:08] We have to go in.

[2:11] Thank you Madam President, the introduction please.

[2:14] Please proceed.

[2:16] Madam President, two you and two you.

[2:18] I'd like to introduce to you a Smithfield High School senior and my constituent,

[2:22] Rees Rossi. Rees is the daughter of Randy Rossi, who many of you know is the executive director of the league in cities and towns.

[2:32] Rees is not only a high achieving student, that's with the Ohio High School, but she's also the student council,

[2:38] student body vice president, a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the youth council, captain of the soccer team,

[2:46] a youth ambassador to Beck O'Feeward Island and in her spare time she tutors freshman

[2:51] algebra.

[2:53] Her academic coursework includes numerous honours and advanced placement classes in biology,

[3:00] calculus, physics, statistics, government, and history.

[3:04] Research graduating from Smithfield High School this Saturday and will be participating in

[3:09] the state's fellowship program over the summer.

[3:11] Then she would be on to Sacred Hot University in the fall, majoring in biochemistry and a

[3:17] pre-med track.

[3:19] Reice, welcome to the Senate.

[3:29] Next sort of business is committee reports and communications.

[3:32] There are no committee reports or communications.

[3:35] Next sort of business is new business.

[3:37] Senate resolution honoring thrive behavioral health.

[3:41] On the occasion of its 50th anniversary and recognizing its enduring impact on the health and

[3:47] being of Rhode Islanders, Chairman Lamonton.

[3:50] May that be read, please, Madam Chair.

[3:53] Chairman Lamont were request the resolution be read if the clerk would please do so.

[3:57] Senate resolution honoring Thrive Behavioral Health Incorporated,

[4:01] on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, and recognizing it's enduring impact on the health and

[4:06] well-being of Rhode Islanders. Whereas for 50 years, Thrive Behavioral Health Incorporated

[4:11] has put a vital role in strengthening the health and well-being of individuals and families

[4:15] across the state of Rhode Island by expanding access to high quality, affordable behavioral health care.

[4:21] And we're as found that as Kent County Mental Health Center,

[4:24] Thrive Behavioral Health Incorporated has involved over five decades to meet the change and

[4:30] increasingly complex needs of the community, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation,

[4:35] compassion, and service.

[4:37] And whereas at the finding milestone in Thrive's history occurred in 2018, when the Kent Center

[4:42] merged with Riverwood Mental Health Services, significantly enhancing its capacity to provide

[4:47] integrated comprehensive behavioral health services and expanding its reach throughout the

[4:52] region.

[4:53] And where our strive behavioral health incorporated is distinguished by its holistic recovery

[4:58] oriented approach, providing not only clinical treatment, but also critical wraparound

[5:03] services that address housing on employment and other social determinants of health, thereby

[5:10] removing barriers to long-term stability and success.

[5:13] And whereas in 2024, Thrive was designated as a certified community behavioral health clinic

[5:18] for Kent County, a recognition that has enabled the organization to deliver enhanced care

[5:23] coordination, expand access to services, and improve outcomes for individuals with complex

[5:28] behavioral health needs.

[5:30] And we're asked through the dedication of its highly trained and compassionate staff, Thrive

[5:34] utilizes evidence-based practices to support individuals in managing mental health and substance

[5:39] use challenges, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and empowering clients to live successfully

[5:45] within their communities.

[5:47] And we're a stri-behavioral health incorporated is a founding member of Horizon Healthcare

[5:51] Partners, and is earned a national recognition as a leader in the delivery of community-based,

[5:56] behavioral health services, setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.

[6:00] And we're a stri-based positively impacted thousands of lives, fostering resilience

[6:05] and equipment and individuals with the tools, skills, and support,

[6:09] necessary to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

[6:13] Now, therefore, be it resolved that this Senate of the State of Rhode Island,

[6:16] here, by congratulates in honors, thrive behavioral health,

[6:19] on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, and expresses its deepest gratitude

[6:23] for the organizations and during commitments

[6:26] when proving the lives of Rhode Islanders.

[6:28] And be it further resolved that the Secretary of State B, and he's here

[6:30] by authorized and directed to transmit a duty-certified copy of this

[6:34] resolution to Dawn Allen, President and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health Incorporated.

[6:43] Tim and Lamont.

[6:44] Thank you, Madam President.

[6:46] I rise to congratulate Thrive Behavioral Health in five decades.

[6:52] It's an impressive feat for any organization, especially one that focuses on mental health

[6:56] substances, abuse, crisis intervention, housing and recovery services, as well as numerous

[7:01] wrap-around services as well for them to keep on going and all the lives and positive

[7:06] impacts the staff for individuals over the past five decades.

[7:09] I rise and support and tell them, thank you very much for all their help, some are over here.

[7:16] Thank you. And I move passage out of the appropriate time I'd like to revert back to the truth.

[7:22] Chairman Lamont was passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button.

[7:33] Is there further discussion on the act?

[7:39] Hearing none, the resolution has been moved in seconded. All those in favour, please indicate by saying aye.

[7:46] Those opposed nay. The aye's have it. The resolution is adopted. Chairman Lamonton.

[7:53] Introduction, please, Madam President. Please proceed.

[7:56] It's my honor to introduce John Allen, the president of the CEO, Mark Mary Garno, and I apologize

[8:04] I have missed pronounce that.

[8:06] Josh Moore from the Hills Grove Clubhouse, Michael Roy, a residential team leader, Jamie

[8:11] Gutierrez, the acting leader, and Brooke Myers, the nurse supervisor, welcome to the Senate

[8:17] and congratulations.

[8:26] Next is the Senate Resolution congratulating and wrecking dies of the students and faculty

[8:31] of Thompson Middle School for their participation in the annual Rhode Island Civic

[8:35] Day, and celebrating their award-winning achievement. Senator Oyer.

[8:40] Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to bring this resolution forward today just to

[8:44] congratulate the Thompson Middle School students who participated in Generation

[8:49] Citizens Civic Day, appreciated the ability to be on the panel with you, Madam President,

[8:55] to speak with the students at the start of their day. It was a really special occasion

[8:58] because newport students don't often have the opportunity to come up and participate in programs

[9:03] here up at the State House. And so not only was it noteworthy of being Thompson's first-time

[9:08] participating, but they also managed to win an award in one of the presentations that they gave.

[9:14] So I really wanted to congratulate those award winners, but all of the student participants.

[9:18] I think it's really critically important, and I know this chamber has done a lot around civic

[9:23] education. The other piece that was really interesting about that civic

[9:28] education day in Thompson's participation was that while the students were

[9:32] participating in the Generation Citizen event, they found out actually that

[9:37] members of the Newport School Committee had done a AI assessment of the plan

[9:43] for the future of Newport schools and guess what AI said that they should close

[9:48] the Newport schools to save money. So the students were rightfully

[9:52] stressed about this, but instead of, you know, while we're in sorrow at that outcome, they

[9:59] approached their teacher and they said, what can we do? And I think that that really highlighted

[10:04] for me the importance of civic education, how those students really learned a lot and to learn

[10:10] that at middle school to say, we don't have to just stand idly by, we don't want our school

[10:14] to be closed and we're going to figure out what we can do about this and stand up. So I applaud

[10:19] And all of those student participants, and I move passage of the resolution.

[10:25] Senator OEM was passage of the resolution, all wanting to second, please press your

[10:28] green button.

[10:34] Is there further discussion on the resolution before you?

[10:38] Hearing none, the resolution has been moved in seconded.

[10:41] All those in favor, please indicate by saying aye, all those opposed to nay.

[10:46] The resolution is adopted.

[10:49] The next part of the business is the approval of today's consent calendar number 1.

[10:55] Let it you come, move consent calendar number 1, seconded by Lita Delacruz.

[11:03] Will the clerk please unlock the machine?

[11:08] Send it to Ersa?

[11:24] Will all members cast their vote on the consent calendar?

[11:31] Will the clerk lock the machine please?

[11:33] There are 34 votes in the affirmative, zero in the negative.

[11:36] of consent calendar number one is adopted.

[11:39] Senator Erso, thank you, Madam President.

[11:42] I just wanted to make a remark on item number eight

[11:44] on the consent calendar.

[11:46] When we were passing the 98-8 bill,

[11:49] Senator Morgan had asked a question about preventing AI

[11:53] from being involved in 98-8 calls.

[11:57] And item eight on the consent calendar

[11:59] is the companion bill to Senate 2197.

[12:03] And that bill will prevent that

[12:05] because A, it requires informed consent for the use of A, I, and B, it does not allow direct interaction

[12:13] between patients and chatbots without immediate supervision of a therapist.

[12:19] So I just wanted to point that out to answer that question that that bill will prevent

[12:24] A, I involvement in the 988 line.

[12:27] Thank you.

[12:28] The next part of our business is the approval of today's Kenshin calendar number two.

[12:35] Literature County moves Kenshin calendar number two, seconded by Leader Delacruz.

[12:39] Will the clerk please unlock the machine please?

[12:49] Could all members please cast their vote please?

[12:54] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[12:55] There are 35 votes in the affirmative.

[12:57] There are the negative Kenshin calendar number two is adopted.

[13:01] That brings us to today's regular calendar.

[13:04] We have to go ahead

[13:08] and thank you Madam President Madam President without objection and in order to get bills over to the House.

[13:13] We would like to move items 8 through 40 on Tamaro's calendar to a second calendar today to be taken up after dinner.

[13:22] This will allow time to get to the House and have them stop the process.

[13:26] With to go in, request to move 8 through 40 to an additional calendar after the recess

[13:34] hearing no objection so ordered.

[13:39] I don't number one on today's calendar, nomination of Bob Komiet for the position

[13:44] of the President and CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub.

[13:49] Senator DePama.

[13:51] Thank you, Madam Chairman.

[13:52] Madam President, excuse me.

[13:54] I rise in support of Bob Kormier's appointment as President and CEO of the Rhode Island

[13:58] on life science hub.

[14:00] Mr. Cormer your brains extensive experience as healthcare

[14:03] and medical technology executive.

[14:07] He most recently served as a CEO of SENTEC,

[14:10] where he oversaw significant growth

[14:12] in several major initiatives,

[14:15] including establishment of the company's U.S. headquarters

[14:18] in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

[14:20] In addition to his record of business leadership,

[14:23] he brings a strong commitment to Rhode Island's future.

[14:25] He believed deeply in the potential for the right sciences to revolutionite care and improve

[14:33] people's lives.

[14:35] He also has a clear vision of our state's potential to be a thriving hub for the industry.

[14:43] As Mr. Cormary noted before this, in the Finance Committee, the right science hub is that

[14:47] an inflection point in a categorical use.

[14:49] I believe he possesses the vision and skill set needed to guide this critical agency forward.

[14:57] I am grateful to the High Science Health Board for their...

[15:00] Dedication and diligence throughout the process that led to Mr. Kormier's selection to this critical point.

[15:08] And I also want to thank a little hold for stepping up and filling this roll over the last few months.

[15:15] Madam President, I move Mr. Kormier's appointment, and I ask the Senate to grant its advice and consent.

[15:24] Chairman DePama moves the Advising Concern of Bob Komiya for the position of the President

[15:30] and CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub.

[15:33] All wishing to second, please press your green button.

[15:44] Is there further discussion on the appointment before you?

[15:50] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine?

[15:53] Please, all those who wish to vote in the affirmative, please press the green button

[15:56] and all those who oppose the red.

[16:04] If the clerk will lock the machine, there are 34 votes in the affirmative.

[16:09] of zero against the act passes.

[16:13] Chairman DePama.

[16:14] Thank you, Madam President.

[16:15] I believe the introduction in order, if I may.

[16:18] Please proceed.

[16:20] Two of you and three of you, Madam President,

[16:21] I'll be first introduced and welcome to the chamber, Bob Carmeer,

[16:25] the new CEO and president of the Rife Science Hub.

[16:27] Welcome to the chamber, up.

[16:35] Also with Bob, as his wife Jill,

[16:37] if you can hold your applause, we're going to introduce

[16:39] for the people, and we're going to have a pattern here.

[16:42] Three daughters all beginning with the letter H, Hanna, Hunter, and Hattie, Hanna, Hunter, and Hattie.

[16:49] Welcome to me. I apologize.

[16:53] I'm thinking Hunter was a theme. Sorry. I apologize. Welcome to the Senate.

[17:04] Next is item number two, S3288 by Senator Vagas, an act relating to alcoholic beverages, retail licenses. Senator Vagas.

[17:12] Thank you, Madam President.

[17:15] The bill before us is a municipal bill requesting a ACV license.

[17:21] It has a resolution with forwarded out last night from the Quincy City Council and I'm

[17:26] a passage.

[17:27] Senator, because Senator Vagus was passage of the motion, all wanted to second please press

[17:34] your green button.

[17:40] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[17:43] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please

[17:56] will the clerk lock the machine there are 35 votes

[17:59] The firmative zero against the act passes

[18:02] Chairman de Palmer Madam President if I may just re-verting back to the previous item for just 1.1 minute

[18:08] I want to thank Craig Dwyer behind us

[18:11] Many of us deal with Craig and committee many have seen Craig here for all the work that he's done on the governor's behalf

[18:17] We're bringing all the exemplary candidates before us Craig. Thank you

[18:26] Next is item number three, S-2798, Senate Affirmary Yeti,

[18:32] and accrelated to property, Rhode Island, Quadne,

[18:36] system, Senate Affirmary Yeti.

[18:38] Thank you, Madam President.

[18:39] This bill comes from the DBR.

[18:41] It updates Rhode Island State Plane coordinate system

[18:44] to align with the most recent standards established

[18:46] by the National Geodetic Survey

[18:50] with federal agency responsible for the nation's geographic

[18:53] reference framework.

[18:54] I move passage, and I believe there is a floor amendment from Senator Bell.

[19:00] Senator Fema, yet he was passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your

[19:05] green button.

[19:15] Senator Bell?

[19:17] Thank you, Madam President.

[19:20] The earth is round, but I know there's some skepticism, I personally believe this, but

[19:29] some computer programs and old paper and pencil methods don't assume the Earth is around.

[19:36] So we have a standardized system for dealing with putting lot lines and things on maps that

[19:43] assumes the Earth is flat, approximated as flat. But we also have modern methods to treat

[19:50] the Earth is round. This bill creates a standard for the flat Earth methods. And I want to

[19:58] the sponsor and DBR for working with me on this compromise, which removes the language that

[20:04] mandates the use of flat earth methods allowing the use of methods to treat the earth as

[20:11] round. It also removes the language that had changed the length of the foot in Rhode Island

[20:20] from propagating throughout all of our laws, creating a bunch of changes wherever the term

[20:27] for it is used to measure distance.

[20:30] So with that, I would like to move LC-005443-3.

[20:40] Some of the bell moves amendment LC-005443-3 moves passage, all those wanting to second,

[20:49] please press your green button,

[21:01] any further discussion on the amendment before you.

[21:08] Hearing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please.

[21:21] Please cast your vote on the amendments.

[21:25] If the clerk will lock the machine, there are 37 votes.

[21:28] The affirmative, zero against the amendment passes.

[21:34] Senator Fimma Yeti.

[21:35] Thank you, Madam President.

[21:36] I'll move passage as amended.

[21:37] Senator Fimma Yeti, most passage of the act as amended.

[21:41] All those who wish to second, please press the green button.

[21:50] Is there further discussion on the act before you as amended?

[21:56] Seeing none, will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[22:00] All those who wish to vote in the affirmative press, the green button, all those opposed the red.

[22:04] All members would cast their vote, please.

[22:09] Senator Burke.

[22:11] The clerk would lock the machine.

[22:12] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[22:14] Zero.

[22:14] Again, the act as amended passes.

[22:20] Item number 4.

[22:22] S27.99 by Chairman Fielag.

[22:24] and accuelade to safety, health and safety,

[22:27] consume a PFAS band of act of it.

[22:30] 2020-24, chairman.

[22:33] Thank you very much, Madam President. As you know, after the last five years, this chamber is taken

[22:41] a very active role in setting standards for PFAS, or actually eliminating it from some of the

[22:47] products. In 2022 and 23, we sponsored legislation that looked at the drinking water,

[22:56] the groundwater and the surface water and set standards for those particular utility.

[23:05] That's in 2024, so that the Coleman led to spur on terms of products that we see here today.

[23:13] And then in 2025 last year, we eliminated the firefighter's form.

[23:20] So this year, it was requested by DM to provide some modifications to the PFAT Act of 2024, and basically what it does is it clarifies right

[23:35] M as being the enforcement agent and provides them with the authority to carry out the requirements and the ability to exempt the product.

[23:45] And with that I move past the President.

[23:48] Chairman Fielag moves passage of the act all wanting to second please pressure green button.

[23:57] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[24:00] Seeing and hearing none will the clerk unlock the machine please.

[24:09] Leader Delacruz.

[24:12] If the clerk would lock the machine, there were 37 votes in the affirmative.

[24:16] Zero against the act passes.

[24:19] Next on the calendar is item number five.

[24:21] of S-21-98 sub-A by Chairman DePama,

[24:26] sent resolution creating a special legislative commission

[24:29] to study blockchain in cryptocurrency.

[24:33] Chairman DePama.

[24:34] Thank you, Madam President, members of the Senate.

[24:36] I am extremely excited about this measure

[24:39] we're about to take to look at both the benefits

[24:41] and pitfalls of cryptocurrency, blockchain, et cetera.

[24:46] I think this will put Rhode Island on the map

[24:48] once we see what comes from this

[24:50] and with that I move passage.

[24:51] Chairman DePama was passage of the act all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[25:02] Senator Rapptakis?

[25:04] Madam President, I be recorded the affirmative on consent calendar number 1, consent calendar

[25:11] number 2, and then on the regular calendar number item number 1 and 2.

[25:23] Senator Rapptakis request to be mocked in the affirmative on consent calendar 1 and 2,

[25:30] as well as calendar items number one into.

[25:34] It does not impact the outcome of the vote.

[25:37] Hearing no objection, so awarded.

[25:43] Is there any further discussion on item number five?

[25:48] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[25:56] All members could cast their vote, please.

[25:58] The clerk could lock the machine.

[26:01] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[26:02] There are against the act passes.

[26:05] Item number 6, S-2348, Sub-A, and Accrelate to Education, the Nathan Bruno and Jason

[26:13] Flat Act.

[26:13] Chairwoman Go.

[26:15] Thank you, Madam President.

[26:16] This bill would direct middle and high schools, which issue student identification

[26:19] cards to include on those cards, contact number, telephone numbers for suicide prevention

[26:25] and substance use disorder prevention.

[26:27] and this can be combined into a 9.8 on having that printed on the card for students and staff.

[26:37] And this would be, this would help promote awareness of these resources and a new passage.

[26:45] Chairwoman Goom was passage of the act, all wanting to second please pressure green button.

[26:53] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[26:56] Seeing and hearing none will the clerk unlock the machine please all those who wish to vote in the affirmative press the green button all those opposed the red

[27:04] If all members could cast their vote please if the clerk could lock the machine

[27:08] There are 37 votes in the affirmative. They're against the act passes

[27:13] I don't number seven s 25 25 25 sub-A by chairman McKinney and accolade to commercial law

[27:20] General regulatory provisions library e-books

[27:24] Contracts chairman McKinney

[27:26] Thank you, Madam President. I'll be moving the act in at the appropriate time. I'll have a

[27:30] floor amendment, but I do want to speak briefly about this bill. I don't need to tell you

[27:38] folks about libraries and how critical they are, how important they are. Digital content

[27:42] is now something that has become not just a luxury, but a necessity for many people, particularly

[27:49] for older people. People who simply find that using an ebook or an audio book is more accessible

[27:56] or manageable than using a regular hard copy book.

[28:01] Folks who simply can't afford to buy purchase books and older Americans, people with disabilities as well.

[28:08] So all of those folks are using audiobooks and ebooks to the point where I had not been aware of the numbers,

[28:16] but right now there are over 135,000 ebooks or audiobooks checked out of Rhode Island libraries.

[28:25] And there are tens of thousands of people who are on the waiting list with holds for those books.

[28:35] The problem is that providing digital content has become very difficult for libraries.

[28:41] Big publishers have been raising prices to unheard of levels for years.

[28:48] An individual purchases in ebook, you can go online, Amazon, whatever.

[28:53] They're usually a little bit expensive.

[28:56] Well now think about that when the library goes to purchase that very same item and is charged

[29:02] five times, seven times, ten times the amount that an individual would be charged.

[29:09] So what's happening at this point is that, and I have to note, the total net revenue reported

[29:18] for the U.S. Publishing Industry in 2025 net revenue was 14.6 billion.

[29:28] So I would suggest don't be fooled by billboards or capable lobbyists.

[29:34] The fact is that the U.S. Publishing Industry is doing just fine.

[29:38] Let me add another wrinkle to this.

[29:40] We're used to buying a book, you buy a book, it's yours.

[29:45] When e-books or audio books are purchased, you're not actually buying that digital content.

[29:51] You're buying a license, and that license expires.

[29:55] It usually expires after 52 weeks or 24 checkouts.

[29:59] That type of thing.

[30:00] They will have that in the terms, and so these libraries are being forced to repurchase a book, a short time down the road that they've already had, that they've already bought.

[30:15] So Rhode Island libraries are in the situation where they're spending more than $750,000 a year on an e-book collection that's filled with expiring titles.

[30:26] The tough part, too, is that libraries are very much beholden to the publishers.

[30:31] Publishers and distributors set the pricing and the terms, and they do it unilaterally.

[30:37] We all know that occasionally we buy things, and the contract is stuck in front of us

[30:42] we're told to sign, even as a lawyer.

[30:45] I don't spend an hour and a half reading that over.

[30:47] You're scrabble, you're John Hancock, you sign it, it's yours.

[30:52] But we in the law call those contracts of adhesion entirely one-sided.

[30:57] There is no room for negotiation at all.

[31:00] So, now big publishers have forced our libraries to pay an expensive price for a license

[31:07] of limited duration, and this has been enabled by the publishers market power over digital

[31:13] books, extraordinary market power, which they don't hold over physical books.

[31:17] We have in Rhode Island, Rhode Island libraries have tried to work with the publishers

[31:22] to come up with fear, pricing, and licensing models to no avail.

[31:27] And so across the country, in recent years, there has been an effort to deal with this.

[31:32] Unfortunately, earlier attempts to do so ran into something that was a major obstacle,

[31:38] and that's U.S. federal copyright law.

[31:41] And so a major case in Maryland was overturned and it looked like the type of bill that I was actually trying to put in a few years ago would be going nowhere.

[31:52] The change in past couple years has been a change to a contract model.

[31:57] States are taking a different tack and that's what this is.

[31:59] We're using state contract and consumer protection law to make sure that we have a fear playing field in the marketplace.

[32:08] So, what bill number 2525 says is that no contract between a Rhode Island Library and a publisher can require the library to acquire license for an electronic library book at a price greater than what's charged to the public.

[32:24] The same license.

[32:26] It also makes sure that they can't restrict the number of licenses for electronic materials that the library may require after that same item is made available to the public.

[32:36] A coalition of libraries across the country has been working on this, and just to make sure

[32:42] that we're not going it alone, you'll see that this bill has a trigger clause.

[32:45] It had been two states, you'll now see that the sub-A, has it at four states, and we actually

[32:52] have a four amendment that will make sure that the effective date is in line with that.

[32:57] But the fact is that our bill will require four states to trigger, so we're not going to be

[33:02] situation where we are going out there and fighting as little Rhode Island against everyone else.

[33:09] The hope is that this bill never goes into effect, that the publishers stop gouging libraries

[33:14] come to the table and actually give libraries in their budgets some relief. And so for all

[33:21] of those reasons, I am moving the bill and as I indicated, I will have a four minute.

[33:28] Senator McKinney moves passage of the act, all those who wish to second please press your

[33:38] Thank

[33:41] you, Madam President. The floor amendment is LC-005144-3.

[33:54] Chairman McKinney Office, LC-005144-3, and moves passage all those who wish to second, please press your green button.

[34:09] Thank you, Madam President.

[34:12] As I mentioned, the moment ago, this simply makes sure that the effective date is appropriately shown to be when the attorney general has determined that four states have passed similar legislation applying to 10 million people or more.

[34:27] And so the trigger will not be hit unless and until that event occurs.

[34:32] Move passage of the amendment.

[34:36] The amendment has been moved.

[34:40] Is there any further discussion on the amendment before you?

[34:45] Seeing and hearing none, will the clerk unlock the machine?

[34:56] If the clerk will lock the machine.

[34:58] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[34:59] Zero against the amendment passes.

[35:02] Chairman McKinney.

[35:03] Move the bill as amended.

[35:05] Chairman McKinney moves passage of the act as amended.

[35:08] All wanting to second, please press your green button.

[35:17] Senator Coleman.

[35:19] I just want to say that I think this is a really commendable bill.

[35:22] I think it is important, and I am speaking right now in my capacity, both as a published

[35:26] author and as a professor who has gone three rounds about getting my students access to digital

[35:32] materials.

[35:33] Thank you, Chairman, for your work on this, and I'm happy to second it.

[35:39] For the discussion on the act as amended before you, seeing none will the clerk unlock

[35:44] the machine?

[35:44] Please,

[35:51] will the clerk lock the machine?

[35:53] There are 36 votes in affirmative, one against the act as amended passes.

[36:01] Item number eight.

[36:06] S2352, surveyed by Chairman McKinney,

[36:08] and accruly to agriculture and forestry,

[36:11] protection of trees and plants generally,

[36:14] Rhode Island invasive plant management act,

[36:16] Chairman McKinney.

[36:18] Thank you, Madam President.

[36:19] This bill is an attempt to deal with the scourge

[36:23] of invasive plants in Rhode Island.

[36:27] Originally we had in there the purchase,

[36:30] I think, at one point, the mere possession,

[36:34] and the transport.

[36:36] Those were all taken out, because otherwise we would have

[36:38] turned a lot of people into criminals who don't need to be.

[36:42] But it is an effort to, I had a constituent in Oakland Beach,

[36:46] in Oakland Beach is absolutely overcome with Japanese

[36:49] not weed, which I had never heard of until a few years ago,

[36:52] now I'm hearing of left and right, but that's the type of invasive plant we're trying

[36:56] to deal with. We also spoke to the stakeholders and the course of trying to get this

[37:01] none, the nursery people, and I think we've ended up with a good bill. I move passage.

[37:07] Jim, I'm a kidding moves passage over the act, all wanting to second please press your

[37:11] green button.

[37:15] Further discussion on the act before you. Seeing none will the clock unlock

[37:19] the machine please.

[37:26] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[37:29] There it is.

[37:30] 307 votes in the affirmative, zero against the act passes.

[37:35] Item number 9, S2354, sub-A by Senator Demario.

[37:40] Senate resolution requests in the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to terminate gas line extension

[37:45] allowances as part of docket 25, dash 45, slash GE Senator.

[37:53] Thank you, Madam President. So, this resolution does exactly what the title says.

[37:57] There is currently a rate case socket with the Public Utilities Commission, examining not only

[38:02] electric rates, which, for good reason, have been receiving a lot of attention in terms

[38:07] of their impacts on root pairs in Rhode Island, but also examining the impacts of different

[38:13] components of utility rates on natural gas customers.

[38:17] There is currently a practice of gas line extension allowances, which allow new gas hookups

[38:22] to basically have that upfront cost be spread among all gas rate payers, and this resolution

[38:30] is requesting the Public Utilities Commission consider terminating that practice because of

[38:35] the fact that since the last rate case happened in 2017, a lot has changed. First of all, we have

[38:41] passed the Act on Climate, which sets carbon emission reduction goals and a big part of that is

[38:46] a building decarbonization effort, and there is also the context of the future of gas stocket,

[38:51] which is outlining what the future of national gas use in Rhode Island is, and so what this

[38:56] resolution simply does is request that the Public Utilities Commission take up and consider

[39:00] the idea that that socialized cost should no longer be happening, and that people who wish

[39:06] to hook up to national gas for new construction will have to pay that up front costs just like

[39:10] they do to hook up to the electric utility. I move passage.

[39:16] Senator Demariam was passage of the

[39:17] Act all wanting to second please push your green button,

[39:25] Senator Rapptakis.

[39:26] Thank you, Mayor President.

[39:28] Would the sponsor yield to a question?

[39:31] Would the Senator yield Senator Demario?

[39:35] Senator Demario, online five, we have the words climate action strategy.

[39:40] There needs to be a reduction in the use of gas for home heating.

[39:43] Does that also include gas for cooking?

[39:48] Is that included?

[39:51] No, if your question is whether or not this would in some way prevent a person from deciding to have a gas stove or use a gas stove, no, not in any way.

[39:59] Thank you.

[40:01] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[40:04] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[40:11] All members cast their vote, please.

[40:16] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[40:17] There are 32 votes in their affirmative.

[40:19] Five against the act passels.

[40:23] Item number 10.

[40:24] And as 3150 sub-A, my chairwoman says Nowscape, an accolade to insurance, whether related

[40:30] law assistant, chairman, chairwoman says Nowscape.

[40:34] Sorry.

[40:34] Thank you, Madam President.

[40:35] This bill, I introduce this bill to request the Department of Business Regulation.

[40:40] It establishes the Strengthen Rode Holmes Program within DBR, which would make grants available

[40:47] to residential Rhode Island homeowners to undertake resilience construction or retrofits to make

[40:53] residential home more resilient to catastrophic risk, and the program will be funded through a

[40:59] revolving fund which consists of potential money from grants in federal programs and I've moved

[41:03] passage.

[41:05] Chairwoman says now's game was passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your

[41:09] green button.

[41:14] Is the further discussion on the act before you?

[41:16] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please, all those are wish to vote in the affirmative

[41:20] press the green button, all those opposed the red.

[41:26] If the clerk will lock the machine, there are 36 votes in the affirmative, one against the

[41:32] Act Cases.

[41:35] Item number 11, S-2450 by Senator Coleman, and an act relating to taxation, really stay

[41:41] conveying stacks.

[41:43] Senator Coleman.

[41:44] Thank you, Madam President.

[41:45] This is a bill.

[41:46] I put another request of the Municipal City Clerk's Association.

[41:50] It makes their life a little bit easier by clarifying.

[41:52] the proportions of taxes paid per when properties are split between two municipalities and I move passage.

[42:04] Senator Coleman moves passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button.

[42:13] See if further discussion on the act before you?

[42:16] Seeing none will the clock unlock the machine?

[42:24] Will the clock lock the machine?

[42:26] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[42:28] Zero against the act passes.

[42:30] Item number 12, S-31-82-Sub-A.

[42:36] Leadership cone, and accrelated to agriculture and forestry forestry, and forest parity,

[42:41] at Leadership cone.

[42:43] Thank you, Madam President.

[42:44] This act will establish the sales and use tax exemption for commercial forest products operations.

[42:51] It's specifically excludes land clearing for development projects.

[42:56] A company clearing trees to build a subdivision would not receive these protections.

[43:00] mainly because trees are involved, in order to receive the benefit of business must qualify as a small business,

[43:07] employ no more than 300 employees, the arrive at least any 80% of annual revenue from services to the arrive,

[43:17] no more than 25% of the annual revenue from utility, eyebrow culture work, and what that I move passage.

[43:24] Leader Chcom was passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button.

[43:33] Senator Bell.

[43:37] Thank you, Madam President.

[43:40] I rise in opposition to this legislation.

[43:42] I do appreciate the language in there saying no to land clearing.

[43:48] It's a little vague.

[43:49] And exactly what that means I think is subject to a lot of interpretation.

[43:55] But one of the other things I really worry about in terms of vagueness,

[43:58] interpretation is the expansive language saying that forest product operations, which includes

[44:07] logging, is a permissible use in any type of zoning district. It does say except for preservation

[44:16] of wildlife. But we're talking about there's no clear exemption for open space zones. It's

[44:26] It's not clear when you do open space zoning that it's explicitly for the preservation of wildlife,

[44:34] sometimes you have parks or things like that.

[44:41] It also, most municipalities have significant tree ordinances.

[44:48] We have one in Providence that exists primarily to protect beautiful trees.

[44:54] That's not wildlife preservation per se and as written night.

[45:00] I think it might override Providence's significant tree ordinance, which helps protect beautiful trees.

[45:06] I think it's dangerous in how this vague language could be interpreted. And trees are nice.

[45:16] And if we allow logging and cutting down trees and vague language to shred through our zoning protections to protect trees, we could lose some beautiful trees.

[45:32] And it could be bad for the environment, as well as bad for the general beauty of the state of Rhode Island.

[45:46] Senator Rodgers.

[45:48] I think he's making a lot out of nothing.

[45:50] If he needs some trees, he can come to force or get moly wants.

[45:54] Rhode Island DEM requires clearing permit.

[45:58] When you, I think you've seen more than one acre, you're required by Rhode DEM to get a clearing permit and approval from them.

[46:04] I think there's nothing to be worried about when this bill.

[46:08] We have a lot of log is out in our area.

[46:10] It is a good way to make a living, and they're considered farmers also.

[46:20] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[46:23] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[46:26] All those who wish to vote in favor, please press the green button.

[46:29] All those who oppose the red.

[46:32] All members could cast their vote, please.

[46:35] Senator Morgan, I don't know if she's not here.

[46:39] The clerk will lock the machine.

[46:40] There are 33 votes in the affirmative, three against the act passes.

[46:46] Item number 13, S-25, 70, survey, Senator Loria, an accolade to health and safety use

[46:53] of artificial intelligence by health care providers, notification acts, Senator Loria.

[46:58] Thank you, Madam President.

[47:00] So one of the most time-consuming parts of any health care providers' day is actually producing

[47:06] the note for their visit.

[47:08] It is not unusual to have technology to aid in that note taking.

[47:13] We've had dictation software for years.

[47:15] We've had live scribes listening on the visit.

[47:19] It has now become very common to use AI to have ambient listening

[47:23] and a visit and to help produce that note as I've become a more accurate note.

[47:29] And it aids in billing.

[47:31] However, it is the right of people that technology is being used in the

[47:36] to know that that technology is being used, and that's what this bill will do. It'll make

[47:42] its mandatory that providers acknowledge and let the person know that that AI is being used,

[47:48] and give them the option of opting out to good bill, and I move passage.

[47:53] Senator Lorya was passage of the act, all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[48:03] Chairman De Palmer.

[48:05] Thank you, Madam President. I applaud the Senator for bringing this bill forward.

[48:09] I think the important part is the accuracy of the visit, having been involved with the area

[48:16] of AI for probably about 48 years now, having done some, my master's work on that

[48:20] back a long time ago, and using it, I don't say, almost every day, it's pervasive.

[48:25] So I think on the bottom of the forms, it's going to say AI has been used, but the critical

[48:29] piece, I don't know how anybody's going to opt out of it because it's going to be pervasive

[48:33] in center as you say.

[48:34] Any transcription tool that people are going to use transcription tools that are not going

[48:38] to use those. I think the important piece is critically important is that it get reviewed.

[48:43] That's the important piece in the bill that the person doing using the tool, whatever

[48:48] that tool is, and they're using every day. We all use them whether we think we're using

[48:52] them, but not using them or not. The critical piece is ensuring the accuracy. Thank you.

[48:59] Senator Lara.

[49:01] I agree Senator. I'd just to be clear, and the Department of Health asked that language

[49:05] to be added, and I was perfectly fine with that. But medically legally, every provider

[49:09] as responsible for the accuracy of their note, everybody at it's no problem reminding them

[49:15] that, but every provider knows that it is part of your obligation and producing the note.

[49:19] Thank you.

[49:23] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[49:26] Seeing none will it click unlock the machine please?

[49:34] Will it click lock the machine?

[49:35] There are 36 votes in the affirmative.

[49:37] Zero.

[49:38] Again, the act passes.

[49:42] Item number 14, S30, 26 by Chairwoman Murray, and accrelated to business and professions.

[49:48] Mental Health Council is in marriage and family therapists.

[49:53] Chairwoman Murray.

[49:54] Thank you, Madam President.

[49:55] This is a very straightforward bill that addresses licensure concerns for marriage and

[50:00] family therapists.

[50:01] This bill allows for licensure portability as a way to offset the shortage of these therapists

[50:05] while expanding access to care for residents.

[50:08] Portability means that any marriage and family therapists licens in another state can have their

[50:13] license recognized in Rhode Island if they have at least one year practice in the other

[50:17] state and they complete the standard Rhode Island licensure application and pay all of the required fees.

[50:22] Once licens to hear these therapists could be subject to Rhode Island's continuing education requirements and regulatory oversight by DOH.

[50:29] This bill will help attract and retain marriage and family therapists here while also making our state an attractive place for those entering the field to set up a practice.

[50:38] There was no opposition to this bill in the hearing and it enjoys widespread support from therapists and students alike and I move passage.

[50:45] Joe and Marion was passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button.

[50:54] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[50:57] Seeing none will the clerk elect the machine please?

[51:04] Will the clerk elect the machine?

[51:06] There are 36 votes in the formative.

[51:08] There are against the act passes.

[51:11] Item number 15.

[51:14] S2735 sub-A by Chairman Burke and Accolade to Public Property and Prop in Works.

[51:19] Project Labor Agreements?

[51:23] Thank you, Madam President.

[51:26] This bill promotes the use of Project Labor Agreements known as PLAs on public construction

[51:31] projects to help ensure an adequate supply of skilled labor, prevent work stoppages,

[51:37] support apprenticeship training, and protect taxpayer investment.

[51:41] It also preserves flexibility by allowing agency to opt out.

[51:46] I move passage, and I do have a floor amendment I lead us to come.

[51:50] Chairman Burke moves passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[51:54] button.

[51:59] Literature Coney.

[52:01] Thank you Madam President.

[52:03] The floor amendment is LC-5116-2.

[52:13] Literature Cone offers amendment LC-0505116-2 and moves passage.

[52:20] All those wanting to second please press your green button.

[52:26] Leave it to Coney.

[52:28] Thank you, Madam President.

[52:30] I think Senator McKenney heard that I was going to be lengthy, so he abstaged me with his speech earlier.

[52:39] So the original sub-A, made the following changes.

[52:42] Establishes a presumption to use PLAs on large-scale projects, rather than a mandate.

[52:49] Reduce the window within which agencies must justify a non-PLA project within a 30-day window before

[52:57] Bids are issued rather than 90 days.

[53:00] Creates a broader framework,

[53:02] governing municipal use of PLA's generally,

[53:05] while maintaining a 35% state-funded threshold

[53:10] for large-scale municipal projects.

[53:13] Retains the 15% apprenticeship requirement,

[53:16] and also retains the workforce staffing plan

[53:19] requirements when PLA is not used.

[53:22] After the sub-A came out of committee

[53:24] received from changes with the bill while it was in the host committee.

[53:28] The changes are contained in the floor amendment.

[53:31] The changes offer towns and public agencies more flexibility in jobs under $25 million.

[53:38] The changes are not about large-scale jobs.

[53:41] The changes concern a small construction project.

[53:45] Those under $25 million.

[53:47] The floor amendment addresses small jobs, whether there is no presumption that a PLA is

[53:53] the best interest of the recurring agency. We eliminated all presumptions in that section,

[53:59] and we permit the public agencies to make their own determination as to whether a PLA is

[54:04] necessary or advantageous. The amendment provides more flexibility to towns and state agencies

[54:10] to decide for themselves whether a PLA makes sense to them. Without the same presumption,

[54:16] type to large-scale projects or to need to create economic studies that may exceed the value of the project.

[54:23] This also makes small-scale jobs less expensive as a municipality would not be forced to explore

[54:30] the PLA economic analysis when towns simply do not want to use one.

[54:35] This takes that expense off the table and lets the public entity make its own decision

[54:40] and otherwise use existing state and municipal procurement laws and with that, I move passage.

[54:48] The amendment has been moved, it's seconded.

[54:53] Any further discussion on the amendment before you?

[54:56] Seeing none with the clerk unlocked the machine.

[54:59] Although, so we should vote in favor of the amendment, press the green button.

[55:02] All those opposed the red.

[55:07] Will all members please cast their vote?

[55:10] Will the clerk locked the machine please?

[55:14] There are 37 votes on the affirmative, zero, against the amendment passes.

[55:21] Jim and Burke.

[55:23] Jim and Burke was passage of the act as amended.

[55:26] All those wishes in the second, please press your green button.

[55:34] Is there further discussion on the act before you as amended?

[55:39] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please.

[55:49] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[55:51] There are 37 votes in the affirmative, zero against the act-desmended passes, Chairman

[55:59] Bacillian.

[56:00] Thank you very much, Madam President.

[56:01] May I be marked on the prevailing side of all matters for which I wasn't present.

[56:06] Thank you.

[56:08] Chairman Bacillian asks to be marked in the affirmative on all matters he has missed.

[56:14] Does not impact the outcome hearing no objection, so what it

[56:24] next is item number 16.

[56:26] I'll spell 75-32, sub-B, represent a court event, a joint resolution, creating a joint legislative

[56:35] commission to study sludge management in Rhode Island.

[56:41] I have two lights, Chairman Fielag.

[56:44] I just want to be affirmative on 50, please.

[56:47] 50, 15.

[56:50] Chairman Fielag wishes to be recorded in the affirmative on item 15, does not impact the outcomes

[56:56] So awarded Senator Demariel.

[56:59] Thank you, Madam President.

[56:59] This is the companion to the Study Commission Resolution that we passed yesterday.

[57:03] I move passage and I believe Senator Thompson has the same floor meant for yesterday on my belt.

[57:08] Senator Demariel was passage of the act on wanting to second please press your green button.

[57:19] Senator Thompson.

[57:20] Thank you, Madam President.

[57:22] I move LC004425-3.

[57:30] Senator Thompson Office, LC004425, slash three, and move passage.

[57:39] All those who wish to second, please press your green button.

[57:46] Senator Thompson.

[57:49] I'm going to say, everybody, the indulgence tonight is the same amendment that we had

[57:54] on the removing of the one socket incinerator language.

[58:00] Further discussion on the amendment before you.

[58:04] Seeing none with a click on a lot of the machine, please.

[58:06] All those who wish to vote in the affirmative, press the green button.

[58:10] All those who oppose the red.

[58:13] Fall members could cast their vote on the amendment, please.

[58:17] Please, I have to click on please, lock the machine.

[58:19] There are 38 votes in the affirmative.

[58:21] 0-gents.

[58:23] The amendment passes.

[58:24] Senator Demario.

[58:25] I move the act of the amendment.

[58:27] Senator Demario moves the act as.

[58:30] Abmended, all those wanting to second please push your green button,

[58:40] is their further discussion

[58:41] on the act before you as amended.

[58:44] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[58:54] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[58:56] There are 38 members in the affirmative, zero against the act as amended passes.

[59:04] Next is item number 17.

[59:09] House bill 7571, sub A by representative Tiansia,

[59:12] and accolade to motor and other vehicles.

[59:15] Registration of vehicles, Senator Demario.

[59:18] Thank you, Madam President.

[59:18] This is the House Companion of the Bill to create a license plate

[59:21] for the friends of the Historic Near Against It Towers.

[59:24] I move passage and at the appropriate time,

[59:26] I have a floor amendment.

[59:27] Senator Demario, most passage of the act,

[59:29] all wanting to second please press your green button.

[59:36] Senator Demario?

[59:37] Thank you, Madam President. I offer L.C.004681-2.

[59:43] Senator Demario Office L.C.004681-2 and moves passage.

[59:50] All those who wish to second please press your green button.

[59:58] Senator Demario.

[59:59] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:00:00] This just aligns the date with the version that we pass to be effective upon passage instead of six months from now.

[1:00:08] The act as the amendment has been moved in second, is there any further discussion on the amendment before you?

[1:00:14] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[1:00:22] Will the clerk lock the machine? There are 38 members in the affirmative?

[1:00:25] there were guests, the act passes as amended.

[1:00:32] Oh, that was the amendment, sorry.

[1:00:35] I'm pleased with the amendment.

[1:00:37] Thank you.

[1:00:38] Senator Maria, Senator DeMaria moves passage down the act as amended.

[1:00:43] All those wishes, second, please press your green button.

[1:00:51] Now, discussion on the act before you as amended.

[1:00:55] Seeing none will allow the clerk unlock the machine, please.

[1:00:58] All those who wish to vote in the affirmative on the act as amended, please press the green button.

[1:01:02] All those opposed the red, the clerk could unlock the machine.

[1:01:09] There are 38 members in the affirmative, zero against act as amended passes.

[1:01:18] 18, H. Jim and Lamonten, H. 77080, and accrelated to motor and other vehicles, Jim and

[1:01:27] Lamonten.

[1:01:28] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:01:29] So this is a doop of a prior bill that we pass and at the appropriate time after I move

[1:01:35] passage, I do have a floor amendment.

[1:01:38] Chairman Lamonton was passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[1:01:43] button.

[1:01:48] Chairman Lamonton.

[1:01:50] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:01:51] I offer floor amendment LC 49725 slash two.

[1:01:57] It's a straightforward one that deletes six months after passage and inserts and place their

[1:02:03] of the language upon passage with that I move the floor amendment.

[1:02:08] Timon, can you just check the number I have your offering, LC004972 slash 2?

[1:02:15] 725, I have 72, sorry, it's okay.

[1:02:18] Timon Lamount, noff is LC004972 slash 2 and moves passage.

[1:02:24] All wishing to, second please, pressure green button.

[1:02:33] Discussion on the amendment before you.

[1:02:36] Hearing none, will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[1:02:46] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[1:02:47] There are 38 votes in the affirmative.

[1:02:49] Zero against the amendment passes,

[1:02:52] Chairman Lamonten?

[1:02:53] Move passage, please.

[1:02:54] Chairman Lamont moves passage of the act as amended,

[1:02:57] all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[1:03:03] Discussion on the act as amended before you.

[1:03:07] Seeing none, if the clerk will unlock the machine,

[1:03:09] all those who wish to vote in the affirmative, press the green button,

[1:03:12] and all those opposed the red.

[1:03:15] Full members could cast their vote, please.

[1:03:18] Senator Mack,

[1:03:21] if the clerk would please lock the machine,

[1:03:23] there are 38 votes in the affirmative, zero against,

[1:03:26] act as amended passes.

[1:03:29] Item number 19, 87437 by Representative Slater

[1:03:34] and Accrelated to Motor and Other Vehicles,

[1:03:37] Automated Traffic Violation Monetary Systems,

[1:03:43] Senator Oyer.

[1:03:44] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:03:46] This is a duplicate legislation to leader Chakone's bill.

[1:03:50] I'm a passage

[1:03:52] Senator Hoyamu's passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your

[1:03:57] green button.

[1:04:04] Senator Hoyamu.

[1:04:05] And I'd like to move amendment LC004258 slash two please.

[1:04:14] And this is just a duplicate amendment to attach that privacy language that we did on

[1:04:18] or two cones, we'll move passage on the amendment.

[1:04:21] Senator, oil office, LC004258-2, and moose passage.

[1:04:28] All those wishing to second, please press your green button.

[1:04:37] Senator, oil, move passage.

[1:04:40] Yep, the amendment has been moved.

[1:04:43] Any further discussion on the amendment before you?

[1:04:49] Seeing none, will the click unlock the machine please?

[1:04:57] Will the click lock the machine?

[1:04:59] There are 35 votes in the affirmative, three against the amendment passes, Senator Oyer,

[1:05:09] move passage, Senator Oyer moves passage of the act as amended, all wanting to

[1:05:13] second please press your green button.

[1:05:22] He's there for the discussion on the act before you as amended.

[1:05:27] Seeing none will the click unlock the machine, please will

[1:05:38] the click lock the machine.

[1:05:40] There are 33 votes in the affirmative, five against the act as amended passes.

[1:05:45] Senator Pearson.

[1:05:48] Madam President may have refused on this item coming up number 20.

[1:05:52] Senator Pearson refuses on item number 20.

[1:05:58] H-8104 sub-A by Chairwoman Mackenzie and Accrelated to Property,

[1:06:03] Mugages of Real Property,

[1:06:13] Chairman Brittle.

[1:06:14] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:06:15] This bill is identical to Senate Bill 2073 and I move passage.

[1:06:22] Can my burden most passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button?

[1:06:36] So if further discussion on the act before you?

[1:06:40] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[1:06:50] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[1:06:52] There are 37 votes in the affirmative, zero again.

[1:06:56] The act passes.

[1:06:58] Item number 21.

[1:07:00] S-2-1-A-2 sub-B by Senator Appalonio, an accuelade to motor and other vehicles, operators, and chauffeur's licenses.

[1:07:10] Senator Appalonio.

[1:07:11] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:07:12] We voted on this back in March.

[1:07:16] The bill removes financial barriers for individuals and foster adoptive homes by waving the fee for drivers that classes at the community college of Rhode Island.

[1:07:24] and the funding was moved from the CCRI to DCIF.

[1:07:33] Senator Appalconio moves passage of the act, all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[1:07:41] Further discussion on the act before you, seeing none with a clerk unlocked the machine, please.

[1:07:51] Will the clerk lock the machine? There are 30 votes in the affirmative. There are against the act passes.

[1:07:57] Item number 22, H8603, sub-A, by representative Kazumera, and act relate to motor and other vehicles, operators, and chauffeurs, licenses.

[1:08:09] Chairman Brotto?

[1:08:11] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:08:12] This bill is identical to Senate bill 2182.

[1:08:15] That was introduced by Senate Hapulonia and I move passage.

[1:08:19] Chairman Brotto was passage of the act, all wanting to second please, a pressure-green button.

[1:08:29] further discussion on the act before you.

[1:08:33] Seeing none with the click unlock the machine please.

[1:08:42] Senator Delacruz, Mack.

[1:08:47] The clerk would lock the machine please.

[1:08:49] There are 38 votes in the firmatives.

[1:08:50] There are against the act passes.

[1:08:53] Item number 23, S2350 sub-A by Chairman DePalmer and Accrelated

[1:08:59] to Education, health and safety of pupils.

[1:09:04] Chairman DePalmer.

[1:09:04] I'll take you, Madam President.

[1:09:06] This is the seizure-safe school's bill, the House made a technical amendment in what

[1:09:11] that I move passage.

[1:09:13] I mean, Depama was passage of the act, all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[1:09:21] Further discussion on the act before you.

[1:09:25] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[1:09:28] All those who wish to vote in the affirmative press, the green button, all those opposed

[1:09:31] the red.

[1:09:31] If all members could cast their vote,

[1:09:39] please, Senator Morgan.

[1:09:44] Clerk could like the machine, please.

[1:09:46] There are 38 votes in the front minutes.

[1:09:48] There are against the act passes.

[1:09:51] Item number 24 is age 74, 81 sub-A by Representative Fogany and Accolade to Education,

[1:09:59] Health and Safety of Pupils, Chairman De Palma.

[1:10:02] Don't forget to the bill.

[1:10:03] We just passed Madam President.

[1:10:04] Go to passage.

[1:10:04] Tim and Department was passage of the act all wanting to second please pressure green button.

[1:10:13] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:10:16] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please.

[1:10:23] The clerk will lock the machine.

[1:10:25] There were 38 votes in the affirmative.

[1:10:26] Zero against the act passes.

[1:10:30] Item number 25.

[1:10:31] S. 25.

[1:10:33] Zero four.

[1:10:34] Sub-A by Ladies and Coney.

[1:10:36] related to labor and labor relations, warehouse worker protection act.

[1:10:41] Ladies and gentlemen, thank you Madam President, we passed this bill earlier this session,

[1:10:47] and the House made some changes to it, it's a protection for employees that basically

[1:10:53] work, it's known as the Amazon bill, where they must inform the employees upon hiring their

[1:10:59] quotas, the amount of speed, comparable to what a work is, and with that I move passage.

[1:11:05] The Chikone was passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green button.

[1:11:14] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:11:18] Seeing none with the clerk unlocked the machine, please?

[1:11:27] If the clerk would lock the machine, there are 34 votes in the affirmative.

[1:11:31] For, again, the act passes.

[1:11:33] I don't number 26, h73, 64, sub-A by representative Shanley,

[1:11:40] and accrelated to labor and labor relations,

[1:11:43] warehouse worker protection act.

[1:11:46] Leader?

[1:11:47] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:11:48] It's a duplicate of the bill.

[1:11:49] We just passed them with that and move passage.

[1:11:51] With the Chico name was passage of the act,

[1:11:52] all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[1:11:59] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:12:04] Seeing none, will the clock unlock the machine?

[1:12:12] Will the clock lock the machine?

[1:12:14] There are 35 votes in the affirmative.

[1:12:16] Three against the act passes.

[1:12:18] Excuse

[1:12:25] me.

[1:12:28] Item number 27, Senator Morgan.

[1:12:32] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:12:33] I'd like to change my vote on number 25 to a negative.

[1:12:38] Senator Morgan requests a vote.

[1:12:39] Changer of an item number 25 from the affirmative to a negative.

[1:12:45] It does not impact the outcome hearing nojection so ordered.

[1:12:54] We are now on item number 27, S-26-47 sub-B by Senator Apologno, and accolade to health and safety,

[1:13:04] commercial kitchen, exhaust inspection, and cleaning licensing, and certification act, Senator

[1:13:10] Apologno.

[1:13:11] Take your matter, President.

[1:13:12] We voted, we voted, I sent it past this bill a couple of weeks ago.

[1:13:17] We sponsored this on behalf of the State Five Marshall's Office in Services, Licensing and

[1:13:21] work for the cleaning of commercial kitchens in response to recent devastating fires move passage.

[1:13:29] Senator Apologno, most passage of the act, all wanting to second please pressure green button.

[1:13:37] Is there further discussion on the act before you? Seeing none will the clock unlock the machine

[1:13:41] please? All those wish to vote in the affirmative person. Green button all those oppose the red.

[1:13:48] Senator Patelano? Could the clock lock the machine please?

[1:13:53] There were 37 votes in affirmative, one against the act passes.

[1:13:58] Item number 28, H-7857, sub-A.

[1:14:02] My representative Norei, an act related to health and safety,

[1:14:06] commercial kitchen, exhaust system,

[1:14:08] inspection, and cleaning, licensing, and certification,

[1:14:13] act, chairman, feel like.

[1:14:15] This is a dupe to the previous bill and a move passage.

[1:14:18] Chairman, feel like, was passage of the act,

[1:14:20] So wanting to second please press your green button.

[1:14:25] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:14:29] Seeing none with a click unlock the machine please.

[1:14:37] Will the click lock the machine?

[1:14:39] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[1:14:41] One against the act passes.

[1:14:45] Item number 29.

[1:14:48] H 8348 sub A.

[1:14:51] I represent to the representative Malakowski,

[1:14:55] Mazzacalsky, and equally to taxation properties, subject to taxation.

[1:15:02] Wally? I'm sorry, say. Fee lag.

[1:15:10] Chairman Fee lag was passage of the act, all wanted to second please, pressure, green bun.

[1:15:20] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:15:24] Seeing none, will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[1:15:35] Will the clerk lock the machine? There are 38 votes in the affirmative, zero, against the act passes.

[1:15:44] Item number 30, S-31-55 sub-A by Senator Thompson, and I congratulate to taxation,

[1:15:52] properties subject to taxation, Senator Thompson.

[1:15:55] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:15:56] This is the previous bill we just passed by Representative Mazakowski.

[1:16:00] This act would exempt from taxation, the property of the non-profit mountain-saint real

[1:16:05] health center located in Comellon, Rhode Island.

[1:16:08] The exemption would be effective as of December 31st, 2025, and I move passage.

[1:16:15] I send it to Thompson, moves passage of the act, all wanting to second, please press your

[1:16:19] green button.

[1:16:23] Further discussion on the act before you.

[1:16:26] Here, we know where the clock unlocked the machine, please.

[1:16:34] We'll look at the clock locked the machine.

[1:16:37] There are 38 votes in the affirmative, zero against the act passes.

[1:16:44] Item number 31, H-78, 69 sub-A by Representative Cotta, an accolade to motor and other

[1:16:51] vehicles, size, weight, and load limits.

[1:16:54] Chairman McKinney.

[1:16:55] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:16:56] An identical to a bill we previously passed, move passage.

[1:17:00] Chairman McKinney moves passage of the act, all wanting to second please, press your

[1:17:04] green button.

[1:17:09] Further discussion on the act before you.

[1:17:12] Hearing none, will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[1:17:20] Well, I'll members cast their vote, please.

[1:17:23] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[1:17:25] There are 34 votes in the affirmative.

[1:17:26] For, again, the act passes.

[1:17:30] Item number 32.

[1:17:32] H-82-94, sub-A.

[1:17:36] Very representative, speakman and accolade to property,

[1:17:38] abandoned property, chairman, bacillian.

[1:17:40] Thank you very much, Madam President.

[1:17:42] This is a duplicate bill to a bill that we previously passed under my name, move passage.

[1:17:46] Chairman Baceli moves passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button.

[1:17:55] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:18:00] Seeing now will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[1:18:11] For the clerk could lock the machine, there are 33 votes in affirmative five against the act passes.

[1:18:18] Item 33.

[1:18:20] Each 73-6-1, sub-A, for Chairman Chile.

[1:18:25] That's related to behavioral health care, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

[1:18:30] Qualities felt directed support to act of 2026,

[1:18:36] Senator Thompson.

[1:18:38] Madam President, this is a bill that we passed last week that I had.

[1:18:41] I move passage.

[1:18:43] Senator Thompson moves passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[1:18:47] button.

[1:18:56] Further discussion on the act before you?

[1:18:59] Seeing none with the clerk unlocked the machine please.

[1:19:09] The clerk would lock the machine.

[1:19:10] There are 35 votes in the affirmative.

[1:19:13] Three against the act passes.

[1:19:17] Chairman Murray.

[1:19:20] Thank you Madam President May I be recorded in the affirmative

[1:19:22] on the consent calendars one and two.

[1:19:26] Chairwoman Murray requests to be mocked in the affirmative

[1:19:29] on consent calendar one and two does not impact the outcome.

[1:19:33] Bring no Jackson, so all day, chairman Fielag.

[1:19:37] Madam President, are we taking announcements now?

[1:19:39] Please proceed.

[1:19:40] The Finance Committee will be meeting at the rise in room

[1:19:44] 2-11.

[1:19:45] This is the fourth 30 meeting.

[1:19:48] We have only one bill, so obviously your prop,

[1:19:50] the attendance is greatly appreciated.

[1:19:53] And we have another meeting, schedules for 7-45.

[1:19:58] We will have 10 bills for discussion.

[1:20:01] Thank you.

[1:20:04] Are there any other announcements or introductions?

[1:20:17] Senator Pearson?

[1:20:19] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:20:19] Maybe I recorded on the consent calendar in the affirmative consent calendar number one.

[1:20:25] Senator Pearson requests to be mocked in the affirmative on consent calendar one.

[1:20:30] Does not impact the outcome.

[1:20:33] So what? Senator Loria.

[1:20:36] Madam President, may I be marked in the affirmative on item number two, please.

[1:20:40] Senate alloria, request to be mocked in the affirmative on item number two, does not impact the outcome,

[1:20:47] so it's Senate or Oyer.

[1:20:50] Madam President, could I please be recorded in the affirmative on item one please?

[1:20:55] Senate or Oyer, request to be mocked in the affirmative on item number one, does not impact the outcome.

[1:21:01] Hearing no objection, so ordered.

[1:21:06] At this time the Senate will break, those finances, Jim and Fielegg mentioned will meet.

[1:21:17] All our all members should have dinner at this time and then we will return to the chamber

[1:21:24] and have a second calendar.

[1:21:28] At this time the Senate stands in recess.

[1:22:07] What I would ask all members to take their seats and for all guests to clear the aisles.

[1:22:11] If at this time, the clerk could unlock the machine for the purpose of recording attendance.

[1:22:20] Full members have recorded their attendance.

[1:22:25] Leave a delacruze.

[1:22:27] Chairman De Palma, thank you.

[1:22:29] Please.

[1:22:30] Please lock the machine. There are 37 members in attendance. We have a quorum.

[1:22:45] We can go back. We'll

[1:22:47] will now begin with calendar number two. First item on calendar number two is S-2347, sub-A, by

[1:22:54] Chairman Bredo, an act relating to motor and other vehicles, regulation of practices among

[1:22:59] Motivocal Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers.

[1:23:04] Chairman Burdo.

[1:23:05] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:23:06] Senate Bill 2347, sub A, a men's section of a non-general laws that governs the relationships

[1:23:12] between a non-automobile dealers and the out-of-state auto-manufacturers.

[1:23:18] More specifically, the bill addresses how warranty repairs are paid.

[1:23:22] The bill and the sub A change of payment system from estimating books to a system that

[1:23:27] time spent during the warranty repairs. This new mechanism of bills will help local

[1:23:34] auto-dealers compensate service technician at a fair rate in helps

[1:23:38] manufacturer price. They're warranty more accurately and I'm more

[1:23:43] passage.

[1:23:46] Chairman Biddle moves passage of the act. I want to second please

[1:23:49] crush a green button.

[1:23:57] Is there further discussion on the act before you, Chairman

[1:24:00] Bicellian?

[1:24:01] Thank you very much, Madam President. I know this piece of legislation was a

[1:24:05] time coming and I want to congratulate the Chairman for threatening the needle on this one.

[1:24:11] So congratulations, Chairman.

[1:24:12] Job, both on.

[1:24:14] Further discussion on the act before you?

[1:24:22] Hearing none with the click on lock the machine, please.

[1:24:31] The click will lock the machine.

[1:24:33] There are 33 votes in the affirmative for against the act passes.

[1:24:37] Item number two, House Bill 82 13 survey by Chairwoman Serpa and

[1:24:42] to motor and other vehicles, regulation of business practices among motor vehicle, manufacturers, distributors, and dealers.

[1:24:50] Chairman Brito.

[1:25:01] Thank you, Madam President, a move passage.

[1:25:04] Chairman Brito, most passage on the act all wanting to second, please pressure green button.

[1:25:13] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:25:16] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[1:25:26] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[1:25:27] There are 33 votes in the affirmative for against the act passes.

[1:25:30] I don't know number three, S-27, 80 surveyed by Chairman Lamount and Accrelated to Corporations,

[1:25:37] Associations and Partnerships, Uniform Partnership Act, the Rhode Island Limited

[1:25:44] Liability Company Act.

[1:25:46] Chairman Lamount.

[1:25:46] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:25:48] This bill modernizes Rhode Island's limited liability company act and updates, business

[1:25:53] laws that thousands of Rhode Island businesses rely upon every day.

[1:25:57] provides clearer rules for forming, operating, merging, and managing LLCs while maintaining

[1:26:03] important protections for consumers and ensuring professional firms carry appropriate insurance

[1:26:09] or financial responsibility. So the thoughtful, modernized effort that promotes clarity,

[1:26:15] predictability, and economic growth, but preserving accountability is a great bill. I move

[1:26:20] passage. Jim, a woman was passage of the act all wanting to second please press the green button.

[1:26:28] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:26:32] Seeing and hearing none, will the clerk unlock the machine, all those who wish to vote in the affirmative press, the green button, all those who oppose the red.

[1:26:39] Full members request their vote, please.

[1:26:41] The clerk will lock the machine, there are 36 votes in the affirmative, one against the act passes.

[1:26:47] Item number 4, S32, 24, sub-A, by Senator Valverty, and Act will lead to state affairs and government

[1:26:54] Quantit Development Cooperation Senator Valverty.

[1:26:58] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:27:00] As my colleague, Senator Demario,

[1:27:02] talked about during her bill introduction

[1:27:05] about the sewage study commission last night.

[1:27:08] North King's town officials and residents

[1:27:10] were surprised to learn back in March

[1:27:13] that Quantit Development Cooperation had given the green light

[1:27:17] for the construction of a sewage sludge

[1:27:19] pyrolysis plant to be cited in the West Davis

[1:27:22] built portion of concert.

[1:27:25] This is an area surrounded by homes and schools,

[1:27:29] and it is situated over our sole source aquifer.

[1:27:32] People were, and are still rightly alarmed

[1:27:36] about the impact this would have on the health and safety

[1:27:38] of North King's town residents and our environment.

[1:27:42] And even though this would be a significant waste facility,

[1:27:45] there was no public process to evaluate the need

[1:27:48] for such a facility, nor to the community where.

[1:27:52] As we heard from our colleagues from one socket,

[1:27:55] last night Senator Murray and Senator Thompson,

[1:27:58] and Senator Mack from Providence,

[1:28:00] these facilities can have a significant negative impact.

[1:28:04] It is critical that they are well understood

[1:28:06] and there is community buy-in.

[1:28:08] They should not be built without robust public scrutiny.

[1:28:13] This bill puts a year-long pause

[1:28:15] on the sighting of such a facility in Quanzit,

[1:28:18] while the sewage commission does its work.

[1:28:21] It is an important safeguard for our community.

[1:28:24] I would like to thank Senator Demario and Senator Oyer

[1:28:27] for their partnership on this legislation,

[1:28:31] as well as members of the North King's,

[1:28:33] the other members of the North King's

[1:28:34] town legislative delegation in the house.

[1:28:36] I would also like to thank the North King's town town council

[1:28:39] and the town manager from North King's town Ralph Malice

[1:28:43] for all of their work on this bill as well.

[1:28:48] And of course the dedicated residents who discovered this plan

[1:28:51] raised the alarm and have been talking nonstop about it

[1:28:55] to get us to this point today.

[1:28:58] We got answers.

[1:29:00] We're going to get answers.

[1:29:02] And QDC has agreed to put the project on hold

[1:29:05] while the commission does its work.

[1:29:07] But this bill gives that promise the legal force that our residents

[1:29:11] want and deserve. So it's a great bill. I move passage.

[1:29:17] Senator Valverde, who's passage of the act, all wanting to second please

[1:29:21] pressure green button.

[1:29:27] Today I'd further discussion on the act before you. Seeing

[1:29:31] then we'll click unlock the machine, please.

[1:29:37] We'll almost cast the vote, please.

[1:29:47] We'll the clerk lock the machine. There are 28 in the affirmative nine against the

[1:29:53] I'm number five, S-2649 surveyed by Senator Femma Yeti in Accrelate to educate you.

[1:30:00] Nation residents of children for school purposes, in district access to open public school seats. Senator

[1:30:06] family, yeti.

[1:30:08] Thank you, Madam President. This bill would allow students who are within districts that have the

[1:30:14] ability or the option of alternative schools within the district to transfer to different public schools.

[1:30:23] So long as there is a seat in a procedure available for them to do so.

[1:30:27] this allows for greater flexibility for parents who are trying to coordinate after school care

[1:30:32] before care for their children. And again, it allows access to alternative options that

[1:30:39] may be stronger for each individual student. If such seats are available, this doesn't have

[1:30:43] any impact on transportation costs. There will be the responsibility of the moving student.

[1:30:50] It's good bill. I move passage.

[1:30:51] Senator Firmly adding most passage of the act all wanting to second please press your green button.

[1:31:02] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:31:06] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[1:31:09] All those who wish to vote in the affirmative press the green button?

[1:31:12] All those opposed the red.

[1:31:16] Senator Valverty?

[1:31:17] Leader Dele Cruz?

[1:31:20] Will the clerk lock the machine please?

[1:31:22] There are 36 votes in the affirmative.

[1:31:24] There are against the act passes.

[1:31:25] Item number 7, S3353, Jim and DePama.

[1:31:31] Oh, I'm sorry.

[1:31:32] Item number 6, S3180, Senator Thompson,

[1:31:35] and accrelated to businesses and professions,

[1:31:38] veterinary practice, Senator Thompson.

[1:31:42] Not everybody laugh all at once here.

[1:31:44] Senate Bill 3180 is a step forward for veterinary care in Rhode Island,

[1:31:49] and it allows veterinarians to establish a veterinary client patient

[1:31:53] relationship through real-time telemedicine, making it easier for families to access care

[1:31:58] for their pets, especially for seniors in those with disabilities in busy families.

[1:32:03] This bill doesn't replace in-person visits, but offers an additional option that aligns

[1:32:07] with veterinary practices with modern healthcare trends and with that Madam President,

[1:32:11] I move passage.

[1:32:13] Senator Thompson moves passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[1:32:18] is it a further discussion on the act before you?

[1:32:23] Leader Delacruz?

[1:32:30] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:32:34] I have a question for the sponsor if he would yield.

[1:32:38] Will the sponsor yield?

[1:32:42] The sponsor will yield.

[1:32:44] Please proceed, Leader.

[1:32:45] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:32:47] Senator, does this legislation promote out-of-seat corporate veterinarians

[1:32:50] over Rhode Island veteran area?

[1:32:53] No, you have to have a Rhode Island license.

[1:32:55] to do telemedicine.

[1:32:57] Okay, that's good to know.

[1:32:58] Thank you.

[1:32:58] I did want to hold everybody up on the introduction.

[1:33:01] It is on my introduction, but I wanted to move the calendar along.

[1:33:05] Okay, that's so good to know.

[1:33:08] I didn't see that in there.

[1:33:09] But although that is a positive,

[1:33:12] concerning this piece of legislation,

[1:33:16] I don't, I won't be supporting the legislation

[1:33:18] because there are several concerns that were raised

[1:33:20] in the hearing on the legislation.

[1:33:22] by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association about the veterinary and

[1:33:27] client patient relationship.

[1:33:29] On page two line one to four, it's concerning that a vet to use telehealth care

[1:33:35] for an animal doesn't actually have to see the dog or cat first, so it's not

[1:33:41] like when a human goes to a doctor and they can establish a patient doctor

[1:33:48] relationship is conceivably this vet may have never even have seen this pet in person.

[1:33:59] And I think that's important to at least have a baseline of the pet's ailments.

[1:34:07] This bill would also negatively impact local brick and mortar veterinary in practices which

[1:34:11] could lead to an exodus of vets out of this state.

[1:34:14] I would ask you to consider the job losses, the income text revenue, as well as the loss of community benefit that will result if this bill becomes law.

[1:34:24] But what's even more concerning is the safety of these pets, because they're not just animals, they're like family, they are family.

[1:34:32] Tell health is great for humans, but with animals, their humans might not know what to point out when something is wrong.

[1:34:38] Since you can't ask the cat, you know, like meow twice if your leg hurts or something, you know.

[1:34:43] But anyways, I would urge you to vote now.

[1:34:49] Chairwoman Murray.

[1:34:52] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:34:53] I've never asked my cat to meow once or twice.

[1:34:57] But I'm pretty sure that having been in the rescue,

[1:35:01] or been in the rescue organizations for 25 plus years,

[1:35:06] I have seen the number one reason that people sometimes give up their pets is because they can't afford the veterinary care.

[1:35:14] And, or they think that because their animal has a problem that, you know, instead of bringing them to the vet,

[1:35:19] then, you know, they'll just give them over to animal controller, whatever.

[1:35:22] What this bill does, it allows access for seniors, for folks who may not have adequate transportation,

[1:35:30] and for people who truly care about their pets, to have access to that care,

[1:35:34] instead of having to make the heart-wrenching decision on having to give those animals up.

[1:35:41] So I think this is a great bill, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

[1:35:45] Whips a coin.

[1:35:49] Thank you, Madam President, with the sponsor yield to a question.

[1:35:53] Will the sponsor yield once again?

[1:35:56] Yes, Web.

[1:35:57] Please, proceed.

[1:35:58] Senator Leader Delacruz brought up a good point there about the animal.

[1:36:05] I'm speaking with the doctor and I'm just curious, does the doctor patient confidentiality

[1:36:12] clause with this particular exchange? Is that a apply in this situation?

[1:36:24] Absolutely.

[1:36:27] Okay, that's good to know.

[1:36:28] Okay, thank you.

[1:36:30] Senator Morgon.

[1:36:33] Thank you, Madam President. I think this is a great idea and I wish I had spoke during the committee

[1:36:41] hearing, but my colleague did bring up to valid points, at least that the veterinary, the veterinarian

[1:36:50] sees that pet, the initial visit, to establish that. And then,

[1:37:00] yeah, I think it's

[1:37:01] going to hurt our veterinary. We've already chased, we're chasing doctors out of Rhode Island.

[1:37:06] and we're trying to bring them back, but they're not coming.

[1:37:10] We're going to be having an exodus of veterinary people, and that kind of excuse me.

[1:37:19] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:37:21] Leader Delacruz.

[1:37:23] Just lastly, I was just doing a quick look at the bill.

[1:37:27] And although it is a licensed, it's not licensed.

[1:37:30] I have to be licensed in Rhode Island. They could be licensed in another state.

[1:37:37] Did I say that right? What did I say?

[1:37:41] Yeah, yeah. License here, but not located here. Excuse me. Thank you for catching that.

[1:37:47] And so, I mean, it could be that there's this big conglomerate company, I don't know, in the Midwest or something.

[1:37:55] that's just seeing pets via telehealth.

[1:37:59] I just feel like again, you should establish a patient

[1:38:01] doctor relationship and keep that confidentiality

[1:38:05] between the patient and the doctor.

[1:38:07] Thank you.

[1:38:10] Further discussion on the act before you?

[1:38:13] Seeing none will the click unlock the machine, please.

[1:38:20] Will the click lock the machine?

[1:38:23] There are 30 votes in the affirmative, six in the negative,

[1:38:26] the act passes.

[1:38:29] Item number 7, S3353 by Chairman De Palmar, joint resolution making appropriation to pay

[1:38:35] certain claims.

[1:38:36] Chairman De Palmar.

[1:38:37] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:38:38] Members of the Senate.

[1:38:39] This is the annual making of appropriations to pay certain claims and with that I move passage.

[1:38:45] Chairman De Palmar was passed out of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[1:38:49] button.

[1:38:53] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:38:56] Seeing none will the clock unlock the machine please?

[1:38:58] All those who wish to vote in the affirmative press, the green button, all those who are opposed the red.

[1:39:04] Fall members would cast their vote, please.

[1:39:11] If the clerk would lock the machine, there are 36 votes in the affirmative, zero against the act passes.

[1:39:29] Item number 8, S3367, sub-A by Chairman DePama, an accolade to taxation, personal income tax,

[1:39:37] Chairman DePama.

[1:39:38] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:39:40] This bill very simple will align the regulations and instructions as it relates to information

[1:39:47] at the source, with the divisive taxation, to align itself with the U.S. code and with

[1:39:52] that I move passage.

[1:39:53] Chairman DePontman was passage of the act, all wanting to second, please press your green

[1:39:57] button.

[1:40:01] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[1:40:03] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please.

[1:40:11] Well, the clerk locked the machine.

[1:40:15] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[1:40:17] There are against the act passes.

[1:40:19] Item number 9.

[1:40:20] I will be recusing.

[1:40:45] We move on.

[1:40:45] Item number 9.

[1:40:46] I will now refer to committee reports.

[1:40:48] The clerk will please read.

[1:40:55] From set of findings to the count.

[1:40:57] If there is a June 11, Senate bill 2678,

[1:40:59] and act relating to education,

[1:41:01] teachers, retirements.

[1:41:09] Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

[1:41:10] Now, on item number nine, Senate Bill 3368 by President Gallo,

[1:41:15] a joint resolution creating a special joint legislative commission

[1:41:19] of study Rhode Island's education funding formula

[1:41:22] and education of finance system.

[1:41:25] Madam President, please proceed.

[1:41:26] Thank you, Mr. President.

[1:41:27] This joint resolution would create a special joint legislative commission

[1:41:31] to make a comprehensive study of Rhode Island's education funding

[1:41:36] formula and education finance system.

[1:41:38] This commission would submit a final report of its finding no later than September 1st,

[1:41:44] 2027, and would expire on December 1st, 2027, and at the proper time I have an amendment.

[1:41:52] Thank you.

[1:41:53] Senator Moves, passage on the motion, although is one on the second.

[1:41:58] Please press your green button.

[1:42:02] And the clerk will please lock the machine.

[1:42:03] Let's move the second.

[1:42:04] Do you want to offer your amendment now?

[1:42:13] Okay, I would like to propose the amendment LC006588 slash 2

[1:42:25] and while everybody's pulling it up

[1:42:27] basically what it does is it changes it from 15 to 16 people on the committee and what it does is it includes

[1:42:41] You insert the language, the Rhode Island Foundation, the Annenberg Institute at Brown University,

[1:42:48] Blue Ribbon Commission members, and I would move passage.

[1:42:53] Senator Gallo offers floor amendment LC006588-2, and moves passage.

[1:43:01] All those one of the second, please press your green button.

[1:43:05] The amendment's been moved a second and any discussion on the amendment.

[1:43:09] Hearing and seeing none with the clerk, please unlock the machine.

[1:43:12] All those in favor, press screen, all those opposed.

[1:43:15] Please press red.

[1:43:20] Clerk, please lock the machine.

[1:43:21] The move motion to amend has been moved and seconded and 36 in the favor.

[1:43:27] None against the amendment passes.

[1:43:31] Senator, please forgive me.

[1:43:32] I'd like to move the measure as amended.

[1:43:35] As has been moved, as amended,

[1:43:38] how those liking the second,

[1:43:39] please press a green button.

[1:43:42] Clerk will please lock the machine.

[1:43:43] It's been moved in a second.

[1:43:44] And any discussion on the act as amended.

[1:43:47] Hearing and seeing now with a clerk,

[1:43:48] please unlock the machine.

[1:43:49] All those are favor.

[1:43:51] Please vote green, all those opposed red.

[1:43:59] All members have had the opportunity to vote.

[1:44:01] The clerk will please lock the machine.

[1:44:03] 36, and the affirmative none against.

[1:44:05] The act as amended passes.

[1:44:07] Now, going to item number 10.

[1:44:19] Item number 10, S-2032 by Senator Zaria and Accrelated to Insurance, Accident, and Sickness and

[1:44:26] Insurance policies.

[1:44:27] Senator Zaria.

[1:44:29] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:44:30] This bill would eliminate insurance copays for medically prescribed diagnostic and supplemental

[1:44:38] breast imaging.

[1:44:40] I'd like to start by thanking the A.J.

[1:44:43] Just committee, they've been listening to passionate testimony for the past three years on this and they've paid close attention.

[1:44:52] I'd also like to thank Chair Murray who's been pushing for this bill throughout those three years.

[1:44:58] Then I'd like to thank the whip.

[1:45:00] And the majority leader who took it upon themselves to push extra hard for this bill and finally, the Senate President for having a move to the floor so we can consider it tonight.

[1:45:12] This past Sunday was National Cancer Awareness Day. And as part of that recognition, the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Coleman Foundation, had an event here in the state house last Thursday.

[1:45:29] to talk about the horrors of breast cancer in Rhode Island around 1160 Rhode Islanders receive a diagnosis of breast cancer every year and last year 120 Rhode Islanders passed away from this horrible disease.

[1:45:50] There's probably someone, all of us now, who has suffered from breast cancer.

[1:45:57] It's something that's personal to many if not all of us.

[1:46:02] Their breast cancer imaging is very important.

[1:46:08] The out of pocket costs can range from $200 for an x-ray to over $1100 for an MRI.

[1:46:16] There was a survey by radiology magazine that found that cautionary or copayment requirements

[1:46:25] could affect decisions for 20 percent of adults who have this diagnosis.

[1:46:32] So if you do the math, you take the 1100 people who are diagnosed, you take the 20 percent.

[1:46:39] These copays could affect over 200 Rhode Islanders every year.

[1:46:43] The late imaging, of course, can result in later stage diagnosis later on.

[1:46:52] The proponents also looked at how this impacted insurance rates.

[1:46:58] In 19 other states, they determined that actually there was no impact on insurance rates.

[1:47:05] And one state, Maryland did what we've learned at finances, dynamic analysis.

[1:47:11] And Maryland actually concluded that if more people got the imaging earlier on, that there

[1:47:18] would be a savings in costs and reduction in insurance rates.

[1:47:24] This is a popular measure nationally.

[1:47:26] There are 32 states who have adopted this requirement that there would be no charges for breast

[1:47:34] cancer imaging, including every other state in New England.

[1:47:39] We, in the Senate, we're familiar with the ravages of cancer over a period of three years.

[1:47:46] It cost us three members of our own family.

[1:47:49] And many of us, myself included, have had personal experience with this terrible disease.

[1:47:55] For these reasons, I move passage of the bill.

[1:48:00] Senator Surrey moves passage of the act all wanting to second please pressure green button.

[1:48:09] Senator Fiamma Yeti?

[1:48:11] Thank you Madam President.

[1:48:13] I just couldn't not sit here and not say something.

[1:48:17] Thank you Senator Surrey for putting this bill in.

[1:48:22] Many of you may not know, but I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was nine.

[1:48:28] So this is something that's very personal to me and I appreciate you putting this in and I just wanted to take a moment just to remember her and recognize Sandra family at any of my mother and again, thank you, Senator

[1:48:44] Senator Laura

[1:48:46] Thank you, Madam President. This is an important bill and I just want to rise the second it. I just also want to say on the other side

[1:48:53] I have never ever had to fight for payment for a diagnostic PSA.

[1:48:59] If a man has an abnormal PSA, he gets a diagnostic PSA paid for.

[1:49:03] Thank you, and thank you for the bill.

[1:49:06] Further discussion on the act before you.

[1:49:08] Seeing none with the clerk on lock the machine, all those who used to wish to vote in the affirmative,

[1:49:13] press the green button, all those who oppose the red.

[1:49:16] Would all members cast their vote, please?

[1:49:18] Senator Zaria,

[1:49:24] if the clerk will lock the machine, there are 38 votes in the affirmative,

[1:49:27] zero against the ACC passes.

[1:49:31] Item number 11, S-266 by Senator Valverdean,

[1:49:35] accrelated to businesses and professions,

[1:49:37] collaborative pharmacy practice, Senator Valverdean.

[1:49:40] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:49:42] Pharmacists have been working under collaborative practice agreements

[1:49:45] alongside physicians and advanced practitioners in Rhode Island for nearly 20 years.

[1:49:49] Collaborative Practice Agreements help improve patient care by allowing a prescriber to

[1:49:54] delegate services and management of both acute and chronic diseases to a pharmacist.

[1:49:59] This entails medication management ordering labs and education.

[1:50:03] Recently, there have been delays in the approval of agreements which can impact patient care.

[1:50:09] Delays have been due to the long administrative approval process, which requires both the

[1:50:14] of pharmacy and medicine to review and approve these agreements.

[1:50:19] In some cases this has taken months to gain approval or even feedback.

[1:50:23] This process is out of date and not in line with how other states operate and deliver

[1:50:27] high quality care.

[1:50:29] This delay can be detrimental to patient care, especially when our state is experiencing

[1:50:33] a lack of primary care providers who depend on pharmacists to help manage their patients

[1:50:37] with conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and COPD.

[1:50:41] This legislation will amend current statute by revising the language that states that allows

[1:50:48] both nurse practitioners and physicians that they can enter into such an agreement with

[1:50:53] a pharmacist. It also removes approval from the Board of Pharmacy and Medicine, and we'll

[1:50:59] keep the agreement in the hands of the parties who sign the agreement which is common

[1:51:03] in almost every other state. And it also has the added benefit of removing some administrative

[1:51:08] of burden that has been placed on the Department of Health.

[1:51:12] I move passage.

[1:51:19] Senator Valverde, who's passage of the act,

[1:51:22] all wanting to second please, push a green button.

[1:51:29] Further discussion on the act before you?

[1:51:31] Seeing none with a click on lock the machine,

[1:51:39] please.

[1:51:40] We'll click lock the machine.

[1:51:41] There are 38 votes in affirmative, zero against in the act passes.

[1:51:45] I don't know number 12, 32 59 survey by

[1:51:48] Chamwell-Memory and Accrelated to Food and Drugs.

[1:51:51] Uniform Control Substances Act.

[1:51:53] Chairman Murray.

[1:51:54] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:51:55] This bill was submitted at the request of DOH.

[1:52:00] What it does is it updates the provisions of the State's Uniform Control Substances Act to be consistent with federal CDC clinical guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic and acute treatment of pain.

[1:52:11] It sets a seven day limit on initial opioid prescription for our acute pain.

[1:52:15] It limits the initiation of opioid therapy for acute pain, only when non-opiod options do not work for the patient, and it has requirements for healthcare providers to discuss the risk with the patient in Guardian and offer an aloxone for any opioid prescription for any patient under the age of 8.

[1:52:30] May 18 and I move passage.

[1:52:33] Chairman Murray was passage of the act all wanting to snack in please press your green button.

[1:52:43] Further discussion on the act before you. Seeing none will the clock unlock the machine

[1:52:48] please, all those who wish to vote in the affirmative press the green button, all those

[1:52:51] opposed the red.

[1:52:55] Click will lock the machine there are 38 votes in the affirmative, zero

[1:53:01] I'm number 13, S-2867, sub-A-Y-Y-Chia-Wim-Mari, and accurately to businesses and professions,

[1:53:10] Chairwoman Mark.

[1:53:11] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:53:12] This bill was submitted at the request of BHD-H.

[1:53:15] It amends the Rhode Island Confidentiality of Healthcare Communications and Information Act to enable healthcare providers to report allegations of abuse,

[1:53:23] neglect, mistreatment, violation of rights, exploitation, or death to BHDDH, and I'm a passage.

[1:53:31] Chairman Murray moves passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green button.

[1:53:38] Further discussion on the act before you.

[1:53:42] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please.

[1:53:50] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[1:53:51] There are 38 members in the affirmative.

[1:53:53] Zero, against the act passes.

[1:53:55] I don't remember 14, S, 2, 0, 3, 9, 7, by Senator Coleman, and accolades taxation, property

[1:54:03] subject to taxation.

[1:54:06] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:54:08] This bill is a tax exemption bill for AS-220 and Providence.

[1:54:13] They do really wonderful community-based art in theater and performance work.

[1:54:18] So I move the bill and at the appropriate time, I have a floor amendment.

[1:54:23] Senator Coleman, most passage of the act, all those wanting to second, please press the green button.

[1:54:31] Senator Coleman.

[1:54:33] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:54:34] I move LC-0038003.

[1:54:42] Senator Coleman, office LC-0038003.

[1:54:48] Senator Coleman.

[1:54:49] Thank you, Madam President, this just changes the effect of date.

[1:54:54] Senate a callman moves passes your VLC 0 0 0 3 8 0 0 slash 3 and moves passage all wanting

[1:55:01] to second please press the green button.

[1:55:08] Is there discussion on the amendment? Seeing none

[1:55:12] will the clerk unlock the machine please? All those in favor press the green button? All

[1:55:16] those opposed? Press the red button.

[1:55:22] If the clerk will lock the machine. There are 37 votes in

[1:55:27] Affirmative, there are against the amendment passes, Senator Coleman.

[1:55:31] Move the act as amended, please.

[1:55:32] Senator Coleman moves the act as amended.

[1:55:34] All those wishing to second, please press the green button.

[1:55:42] Is there further discussion on the act as amended?

[1:55:46] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please.

[1:55:55] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[1:55:56] There are 37 votes there.

[1:55:58] Affirmative, there are against the act passes as amended.

[1:56:02] Item number 15, in Accrelated to Health and Safety, building benchmarking and reporting

[1:56:09] Act of 2026, which is S-2260, Son of the Colman.

[1:56:13] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:56:14] Two years ago, this chamber passed what was then called the Building Decarbonization Act,

[1:56:19] got stuck in the house.

[1:56:21] We've since been working on that bill a great deal, actually, and we have pulled it apart

[1:56:26] into two pieces, so what this bill does is the much more modest portion of a

[1:56:31] of what was done two years ago, and it simply as the President said, establishes a program

[1:56:36] of benchmarking.

[1:56:37] This is part of our goals, our act on climate goals.

[1:56:40] It permits us to measure the energy usage of large buildings in the state.

[1:56:44] Two things that I would like to note about this.

[1:56:45] One, Providence Artigue does this, and has been doing it for about five years.

[1:56:49] They developed a very nifty and very free tool, and also Providence is home to more than 40%

[1:56:55] of the large buildings in the state, so this is already effectively being done.

[1:56:59] So, this is an exciting moment, and I am pleased to move passage I'd like to thank the Environmental

[1:57:05] Council of Rhode Island among other groups as well as my colleagues and the Chairman

[1:57:09] of the Housing and Municipal Government Committee for their work on this this year, but this

[1:57:12] has been a long thought battle that I am pleased to move passage.

[1:57:15] Senator Coleman was passage of the act, all one in the second, please press your green

[1:57:19] button.

[1:57:24] Senator Bell.

[1:57:27] May I be recorded in the negative on the amendment to item number 14?

[1:57:34] Senator Bell was just to be recorded on the negative on the amendment on item number 14.

[1:57:41] Does not impact the outcome, hearing no objection, so audit.

[1:57:46] We're on item number 15.

[1:57:50] Is there any further discussion on the act before you?

[1:57:56] Seeing none will the click unlock the machine please.

[1:58:01] Hello, members cast a vote, please.

[1:58:05] So in our uptackets, we'll look at the machine.

[1:58:08] There are 33 votes in the firmatives, four against in the act passes.

[1:58:15] Item number 16, S-22, 73, Senator Demario, an accrilated to Townsend City's zoning

[1:58:22] ordinances.

[1:58:23] Senator Demario.

[1:58:25] Thank you, Madam President.

[1:58:26] Currently in Rhode Island, from municipality to municipality, there is a patchwork of zoning

[1:58:31] ordinances governing family child care homes that set the cap for kids that they can take care of at either eight or 12 for the maximum.

[1:58:40] These are outdated regulations because that has no relationship to the health and safety regulations that the Department of Human Services has when licensing family child care homes,

[1:58:50] which says that after six children, a family child care home needs to bring in a second employee to maintain the correct ratios.

[1:58:57] And so the situation that this has created over the years is that depending on which town

[1:59:02] you're in, a family child care home can either have eight or 12 students maximum, but either

[1:59:07] way at six, you have to hire an additional employee.

[1:59:11] And so what this has done is it has artificially curtailed the number of seats available to

[1:59:15] families who want to find child care closer to their home or work, and it also has had an

[1:59:20] inhibiting effect on the profitability of those small local-owned child care businesses.

[1:59:24] And so what this bill does is it would set a statewide cap at 12, which is the highest cap that some municipalities have currently, which will immediately at no cost increase the child care seats available to families across the state, as well as increase the profitability of these locally owned businesses.

[1:59:42] I just want to acknowledge the support of SCIU, the League of Cities and towns, and also the Department of Human Services for supporting this legislation.

[1:59:51] And I also just want to share that I really credit the inspiration for this bill to Senator Vargas.

[1:59:56] Because last fall, we were sitting together at a conference in just-

[2:00:00] I'm talking about various things, and she happened to mention the constituent who was looking to open a

[2:00:05] film and child care facility, but was inhibited by the fact that she could only have eight students

[2:00:10] and with the building that she wanted to be able to have that facility located in, the

[2:00:14] master's wasn't going to work out. And so when I inquired about this, people who have been around

[2:00:19] this advocacy space for a while said, we've tried that before, it'll never happen, you'll never

[2:00:25] get the cities and towns on board, and I said bet, and here we are.

[2:00:28] Move passage.

[2:00:32] Senator Demarion was passage of the act, all wanting to second please

[2:00:35] Pressure Green button.

[2:00:43] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:00:46] Seeing none, will the clerk unlock the machine?

[2:00:54] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:00:56] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[2:00:57] Zero against the act passes.

[2:01:01] Item number 17, S. 2575,

[2:01:04] I have surveyed by Chairman Bicellian and accrelated to Townsend City's zoning ordinances.

[2:01:10] Chairman Bicellian.

[2:01:11] Thank you very much, Madam President.

[2:01:13] The act before us today restricts any city or town from placing additional zoning restrictions

[2:01:22] on residential homes that provide recovery services.

[2:01:28] I'll just say that this is a piece of legislation that came to me from the advocates, individuals

[2:01:32] and that support the community that's recovering from substance use,

[2:01:38] addictions, peace of legislation that I worked on throughout the course of the session with them.

[2:01:43] We heard from several cities and towns that had concerns.

[2:01:46] We heard from the State Fire Marshall that had concerns.

[2:01:49] And we spent the better part of the last month working on this peace of legislation

[2:01:52] to address those concerns.

[2:01:54] So I'm incredibly, I don't want to say, proud, but grateful to the State Fire Marshall

[2:02:00] and riot carriers for coming together and producing a piece of legislation that balances public health

[2:02:06] with public safety.

[2:02:08] And I just want to thank, as we're heading towards the end of the calendar, my staff on the

[2:02:14] community on housing, municipal government, Justin McCarthy, and John Garry, the two lawyers

[2:02:18] at help worked out this compromise, but that, proud to say it has the support of, as I said,

[2:02:24] the State Fire Marshall and the and riot carriers with that, I move passage.

[2:02:28] Jim, I'm Basilium, who's passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[2:02:33] button.

[2:02:36] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:02:39] Seeing none will the clock unlock the machine, please

[2:02:47] will the clock lock the machine?

[2:02:49] There are 32 votes of the affirmative, five against the act passes.

[2:02:54] Item number 18, S 2906 of A by Senator Valverde, a joint resolution, creating a special

[2:03:02] Legislative Commission to study condominium law and provide recommendations for improvements

[2:03:08] to transparency, accountability and ongoing affordability of condominiums in Rhode Island

[2:03:14] as Senator Valverde.

[2:03:17] Thank you, Madam President, as the title suggests, this resolution creates a legislative

[2:03:21] study commission to recommend reforms to Rhode Island's condominium laws.

[2:03:26] As Rhode Island conferences severe housing shortage, condominiums have become one of the most attainable pathways to home ownership for many working families, seniors, first time home buyers and moderate income residents.

[2:03:39] Yet the laws governing condominiums have not undergone a comprehensive review in decades, despite significant changes in the housing market, the cost of maintaining properties and the complexity of condominion governance.

[2:03:50] Today, many condominion owners face challenges that our current statutes do not adequately address.

[2:03:58] Owners and board members often struggle to understand their respective rights and responsibilities.

[2:04:03] Disputes can arise because governing documents, statutory requirements and management practices are complicated and sometimes difficult to navigate.

[2:04:12] And at the same time, rising maintenance costs, insurance costs, reserve funding needs and special assessments are creating affordability pressures for both individual owners.

[2:04:20] and condominium associations.

[2:04:23] This commission will bring together legislators, housing experts, condo owners, attorneys, advocates,

[2:04:28] and other stakeholders to take a careful and comprehensive look at the issue.

[2:04:32] It will examine best practices from other states, identify barriers to transparency and accountability,

[2:04:38] explore ways to improve owner education and conflict resolution and consider policies

[2:04:43] that can help preserve affordability for current and future condominium owners.

[2:04:47] It is an excellent bill and I move passage.

[2:04:51] Senator Evalve already moves passage of the act.

[2:04:54] All wanting to second please press your green button.

[2:05:00] Isn't there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:05:03] Seeing none will the click on lock the machine please.

[2:05:11] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:05:12] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[2:05:14] There are against the act passes.

[2:05:18] 19.

[2:05:18] Item number 19.

[2:05:19] as 3302 by Chairman Bicellian and Accrelated to Courts and Civil Procedure.

[2:05:25] Courts are very cool.

[2:05:26] Chairman Bicellian.

[2:05:28] Thank you very much, Madam President.

[2:05:30] I guess the best way to say this is that this piece of legislation is an omnimospil

[2:05:34] that makes technical amendments to, well, the 50 plus housing bills that we've passed over the last five years.

[2:05:43] I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that, you know, Rhode Island is in the midst of a housing

[2:05:51] crisis, and that our former speaker, Speaker Joseph Chicago, used the bully pulpit of

[2:05:56] that position to work pretty intentionally to address Rhode Island's housing crisis as it affects

[2:06:05] individuals at all wrongs the socioeconomic ladder.

[2:06:08] Over the last five years, we passed more than 50 bills to deal with that housing crisis.

[2:06:12] the bill before you and a number of different ways, make some technical adjustments.

[2:06:17] It makes one true adjustment in principle, as I've talked about with the minority

[2:06:24] whip, specifically as it relates to our rural communities, and when affordable units

[2:06:31] are counted, and counted right now, they're currently counted when the CO is issued.

[2:06:37] And consequently, we have a lot of rural communities that are doing their best to grapple

[2:06:44] with the affordability crisis and permitting a lot of projects.

[2:06:49] However, there's really no way for them to, I don't want to say, put a stop to it, but

[2:06:54] to get credit for permitting those projects.

[2:06:56] And as a result, some of our rural communities, their percentage of affordable housing,

[2:07:03] We'll go from, let's say, by example, 6% to 18%

[2:07:07] once all the projects that are permitted are completed because it's really

[2:07:11] no way for them to for store for stall that process, that

[2:07:15] permitting process, because it only ends once the COs are issued.

[2:07:20] And so there's an important provision.

[2:07:21] It's a very long bill, but it's on page 41, it's the end of page 41.

[2:07:25] That takes into account a lot of the concerns from the rural communities.

[2:07:28] .

[2:07:30] And with that, I think I'd be remiss if I just didn't thank the former Speaker for his hard work on this issue.

[2:07:35] It's an issue that's been laid bare at many doorsteps in every corner throughout our state.

[2:07:39] And there are two issues that I do want to thank, two individuals that I do want to thank.

[2:07:43] I'm particularly because many of the bills that you have seen come before this committee would not be possible without them.

[2:07:50] And that is the Speaker's Special Advisor on Housing, Joelle Rocha, and also his policy director, former boss of mine,

[2:07:59] And I just want to thank them for their hard work over the years on these issues and with that, it's a good bill. I move passes.

[2:08:06] Chairman Bazzini moves passage over the act, all wanting to second please pressure the green button.

[2:08:16] Senator Rogers.

[2:08:19] Well, the chairman was correct in a few areas.

[2:08:23] We've seen the damage in our rural communities and I'm not so rural communities with the housing bills that have been passed.

[2:08:29] And those chickens have not come home for roost yet.

[2:08:31] It will become into a town near you soon.

[2:08:36] For example, West Grinich, they did everything they could

[2:08:40] to get as many in the hoppers they could.

[2:08:42] They got 11% and then they had a guy come in and said,

[2:08:45] I'm putting 300 more units in.

[2:08:46] It's 10% are going to be affordable housing.

[2:08:50] Town said, we've already did what the state asked us to do.

[2:08:53] We did the due diligence.

[2:08:54] We did the right thing.

[2:08:57] And then they found out that, on, on, on, on.

[2:08:59] That 10% isn't when the town gets all this,

[2:09:02] stuff from ready for building permits.

[2:09:04] It's when the certificate of occupancy is issued.

[2:09:08] So what's happening in the town of West French,

[2:09:10] they're going to be with this one coming in and possibly more.

[2:09:14] They're going to be over a 25% increase in their population,

[2:09:17] and they did the right thing.

[2:09:19] This is a compromise, but it's a one-sided compromise,

[2:09:23] and I can't do that to my rural communities

[2:09:25] and support this building any man.

[2:09:27] and I'll be a definite note. Thank you.

[2:09:31] Chairman Bacillian.

[2:09:32] Thank you very much, Madam President.

[2:09:33] I do know last year, the minority whipping myself

[2:09:36] sparked a number of issues as a relay to the housing crisis.

[2:09:40] He makes some good points.

[2:09:42] The piece of legislation before us tries to take those into account.

[2:09:46] But at this point, you know, better minds can also disagree

[2:09:49] and I want to thank him for the dialogue.

[2:09:52] Further discussion on the act before you.

[2:09:55] Hearing no will the clerk unlock the machine, all those wish to vote in the affirmative press, the green button, all those opposed the red.

[2:10:02] False senators would cast their votes.

[2:10:07] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:10:09] There are 25 votes in the affirmative.

[2:10:12] 12 in the negative.

[2:10:14] The act passes.

[2:10:15] I don't know number 20, S3316, Sub-A, Senator Rodgers, and Acrogiving Motions at the town

[2:10:24] of situate annual financial town meeting.

[2:10:28] Senator Rodgers.

[2:10:29] Thank you, Madam President.

[2:10:30] This is a local bill from the town of situate and enabling some of the procedural issues

[2:10:34] about the financial town meeting to be put on the November ballot for a vote.

[2:10:39] It's about whether they can change some dates times and for the motions to be made at that

[2:10:43] to Tom meeting. The town, it does come with a unanimous vote. Resolution, supporting it from the town council, and I move passage.

[2:10:53] Senator Rogers, moved passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green button.

[2:11:00] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:11:03] Sing, and hearing none? Will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[2:11:14] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:11:16] There are 36, what's the affirmative? There are against the act passes.

[2:11:19] Item number 21, whipped to Coyeon.

[2:11:25] Madam President, what out of objection?

[2:11:27] Maybe please have item number 22, S3334, moved to Tamaro's calendar.

[2:11:33] Whipped to Coyeon requests item number 22, S3334, to be moved to Tamaro's calendar,

[2:11:40] hearing no objection, so ordered.

[2:11:42] Item number 21, S3333, Chairman Fielag,

[2:11:47] and accrelated to the North Ticket and Fire District.

[2:11:50] Chairman Fielag.

[2:11:51] Thank you very much.

[2:11:52] It's a local bill for the town of Ticketin

[2:11:55] as you appropriate resolution.

[2:11:57] And obviously, the great blessing of the Chairman

[2:12:00] Pesolian, and with that, I move passage.

[2:12:04] Chairman Fielag moves passage of the act.

[2:12:06] All wanted to second please press your green button.

[2:12:12] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:12:16] Seeing none with the clerk unlocked the machine, please.

[2:12:26] Will clerk lock the machine there are 36 votes in the affirmative, arrow against the act passes.

[2:12:33] Item number 2, oh, we're skipping item number 22 on to item number 23, S3354 by Senator Palino.

[2:12:42] Oh, Patelano, I'm sorry.

[2:12:44] An act authorizing the city of Cranston to finance the repair construction and rehabilitation of storm drains.

[2:12:50] and drainage improvements in the remediation

[2:12:54] of the mitigation of drainage and flooding problems.

[2:12:58] By the issuance of not more than four million

[2:13:00] in general obligation bonds and notes,

[2:13:03] Senator Patelano.

[2:13:05] Thank you, Madam President.

[2:13:06] I won't repeat that.

[2:13:07] It's a bond issuance for four million dollars

[2:13:10] so you just discussed.

[2:13:12] Senator Patelano moves the act.

[2:13:15] Anyone wish in a second, please press your green button.

[2:13:22] Further discussion on the act before you, seeing in hearing none with the clock unlocked

[2:13:27] the machine,

[2:13:34] please look at the clock locked the machine.

[2:13:36] There are 36 votes in the affirmative, there are against the act passes.

[2:13:41] Item number 24, S33, 55, Senator Patelano and act authorizing the city of Cranston to

[2:13:51] not to exceed 25 million in general obligation bonds, notes, and other evidence of indebtedness

[2:13:59] to finance the purchase and our acquisition of land and buildings. Construction, renovation,

[2:14:05] improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing, and equipping of schools and school facilities

[2:14:13] throughout the city. Senator Patelano. Thank you, Madam President, move passage. Senator Patelano

[2:14:18] was passage of the act, all wanting to second, please brush your green button.

[2:14:26] Is there further

[2:14:27] discussion on the act before you? Seeing no, and will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[2:14:39] Will the clerk lock the machine? There are 37 votes in the affirmative. There are against the

[2:14:43] act passes.

[2:14:47] Senator Ujifusa? Yes, Madam President, I'd like to change my vote on item 19 to a no.

[2:14:54] Senator, would you feel so request to be mocked as a negative and not item 19, it does not?

[2:15:00] Chained to the outcome, hearing no objection, so audit, Senator Rapptakis.

[2:15:05] That presidency, we're question item number 15. I want to change you from a positive to a negative.

[2:15:10] Item number 50.

[2:15:11] Senator Rapptakis requests to go from a formative to a negative.

[2:15:17] An item number 15 does not impact the outcome.

[2:15:21] So audit, item number 25, S3356.

[2:15:28] My senator, Padilano, an act authorizing the city of Cranston to finance the acquisition,

[2:15:34] construction, improvement, renovation, repair and alteration of playgrounds, athletic fields,

[2:15:39] and related equipment in the city by the issuance of not more than 4 million general obligation bonds and notes.

[2:15:46] Senator, Padilano.

[2:15:48] Thank you, Madam President, 3356, we move passage.

[2:15:53] Senator, Padilano, most passage of the act.

[2:15:55] All those wishes in the second, please press your green button.

[2:16:04] Further discussion on the act before you.

[2:16:07] Seeing none will the clock unlock the machine, please.

[2:16:15] Will the clock lock the machine?

[2:16:16] There are 37 votes in the affirmative, zero against the act passes.

[2:16:21] Item number 26, S3357 by Senator Patelano,

[2:16:27] an act authorizing the city of Cranston to finance the acquisition,

[2:16:32] demolition, construction, improvement, renovation,

[2:16:34] repair, alteration, furnishing, and quipping of public buildings in the city by the issuance

[2:16:40] of not more than 2 million general obligation bonds and notes. Senator Patelot.

[2:16:45] Madam President, 3357, move passage. Senator Patelot, a move passage of the act, all

[2:16:50] wanting to second, please push a green button.

[2:16:56] Is there further discussion on the act

[2:16:57] before you? Seeing and hearing know, will the clerk unlock the machine please?

[2:17:12] Senator

[2:17:13] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[2:17:15] There are against the act passes.

[2:17:20] Item number 27, S3358 by Senator Patelano and act authorizing the city of Cranston

[2:17:26] to finance the acquisition improvement, renovation and repair of fire and public safety

[2:17:31] equipment by the issuance of not more than 8 million in general obligation bonds and notes.

[2:17:37] Senator Patelano.

[2:17:39] Madam President, 3358 moved passage.

[2:17:42] Senator Patelano was passage of the act.

[2:17:44] So I want to take a second, please press your green button.

[2:17:50] Is there further discussion on the act before you chime in, Fee lag?

[2:17:55] I'd like a matter of present, a question of the sponsor, please.

[2:17:57] Will the sponsor yield to a question?

[2:18:00] Yes, sure.

[2:18:00] I don't have any money though.

[2:18:03] This creates to have enough money for all these spots.

[2:18:07] That's why we're taking bonds out, sure.

[2:18:09] Okay, because then go to the finance committee.

[2:18:12] Just wondering.

[2:18:13] Thank you.

[2:18:15] Further discussion on the act before you.

[2:18:19] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine play please.

[2:18:26] Well, I'll members cast their vote please.

[2:18:30] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:18:31] There are 37 votes in the affirmative.

[2:18:34] Zero. Again, the act passes.

[2:18:37] Item number 28.

[2:18:39] S3359 by Senator Patelano.

[2:18:42] And act authorizing the city of Cranston to finance

[2:18:45] the design construction repair rehabilitation

[2:18:48] and improvement of street sidewalks and bridges in the city, including but not limited to

[2:18:54] paving, drainage, traffic control devices, road maintenance equipment, safety improvements and landscaping.

[2:19:01] In all, of course, incidental are related there, too, by the issuance of not more than 8 million

[2:19:07] in general obligation bonds and notes. Senator Patelano.

[2:19:11] Thank you, Madam President. I think Senator Feeleg put the breaks on any further spending.

[2:19:15] This will be the last one we move passage.

[2:19:19] Senator Patelano was passage of the act.

[2:19:22] All one in a second, please press your green button.

[2:19:27] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:19:31] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please?

[2:19:40] Chairman Bacillian leader?

[2:19:42] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:19:44] There are 38 votes in the affirmative.

[2:19:45] There are against the act passes.

[2:19:48] Item number 29, S3360 by Chairman McKinney

[2:19:51] authorizing the amendment of the work city charter to allow for the enactment of ordinances

[2:19:59] that subject may all appointments to certain codified city boards and commissions to the

[2:20:05] advice and consent of the city council, Chairman McKinney.

[2:20:08] Thank you, Madam President. This is the local bill.

[2:20:10] The work is looking to consider possible charter amendments that would go before the voters in

[2:20:16] November for enhanced and licensed consent for various boards and commissions.

[2:20:23] Chairman McKinney moves passage of the act all wanting to second please pressure green button.

[2:20:31] Further discussion on the act before you.

[2:20:35] Seeing none will the click unlock the machine please.

[2:20:42] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:20:43] There are 38 votes in the affirmative.

[2:20:45] There are against the act passes.

[2:20:48] Item number 30, S33, 63 by Chairman Del Palma,

[2:20:52] and accrelated to taxation property subject to taxation.

[2:20:56] Chairman Del Palma.

[2:20:56] Thank you, Madam President.

[2:20:58] It's going to have before us as a local bill, appropriate resolution, and it allows

[2:21:01] the town of Tivardin to provide some flexibility for a senior discount and with that

[2:21:06] I move passage.

[2:21:07] Chairman De Palman was passage of the act, all wanting to second please press your green

[2:21:11] button.

[2:21:17] Isn't it further discussion on the act before you?

[2:21:22] Seeing none with the clerk elect the machine please, all those who wish to vote in the affirmative

[2:21:25] press the green button, all those who oppose the red.

[2:21:30] Leader Delacruz, will the clerk lock the machine please?

[2:21:36] There are 38 votes in the affirmative, there are against the act passes.

[2:21:41] I don't know number 31, S3364 sub-A by Chairman Fielag, and accrelated to taxation,

[2:21:48] property, subject to taxation.

[2:21:51] Chairman Fielag.

[2:21:52] I grew much better, President's local bill for the town of Tevedon that increases

[2:21:57] to touch, credit for disabled veterans and unmarried widows with that I move passage.

[2:22:04] Chairman Feeleg was passage of the act all wanting to second please push a green button.

[2:22:13] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:22:16] Seeing and hearing known will the clerk unlock the machine please.

[2:22:24] Send it a Morgan.

[2:22:28] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:22:30] Please, there are 38 votes in the frontmittives, there are against the act passes. Item number 32, S-2136 sub-A by Chairman

[2:22:40] Bicellian, accrelated to elections. Local, canvassing, authorities, Chairman Bicellian.

[2:22:46] Thank you very much, Madam President. This is a piece of legislation that deals with vacancies after

[2:22:51] or nomination period is closed,

[2:22:53] supported by the local board of canvassers,

[2:22:54] I move passage.

[2:22:56] Chairman Baceli and most passage of the act,

[2:22:58] all wanting to second, please press your green button.

[2:23:05] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:23:08] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine, please.

[2:23:18] Senator Morgan

[2:23:20] will the clerk lock the machine.

[2:23:23] There are 38 votes in the affirmative,

[2:23:24] zero against the act passes.

[2:23:27] Item number 33, S2480 by Senator Coleman,

[2:23:32] and in that related to public records, access to public records, Senator Coleman.

[2:23:37] Thank you, Madam President.

[2:23:38] This bill would make crashed data available to the public by an online portal.

[2:23:43] I want to actually start by shouting out Senator Chairman DePama, who has been championing

[2:23:47] public records reform in a much broader bill.

[2:23:50] This is a sort of peel off bill that's been championed by the Providence Streets Coalition

[2:23:54] in the Safe Ripped of Coalition, and my thanks again to the judiciary committee for working

[2:23:58] with me on it, and with that, I move passage.

[2:24:00] Senator Coleman was passage of the act all wanting to second please press the green button.

[2:24:09] Is there further discussion on the act before you?

[2:24:13] Seeing none will the clerk unlock the machine please.

[2:24:24] Will the clerk lock the machine?

[2:24:27] There are 33 votes in the affirmative five against the act passes.

[2:24:34] Chairwoman Murray.

[2:24:36] Thank you Madam President May I be recorded in the affirmative on items number 14 through 27.

[2:24:43] Chairwoman Murray, request to be mocked in the affirmative for items 14 for 27.

[2:24:50] It does not impact the outcome.

[2:24:52] So ordered Senator Goo, thank you, Madam President, same request for items 20 to 23 in

[2:24:59] the affirmative.

[2:25:00] Chairwoman Goo, request to be mocked in the affirmative for items 23, does not impact the

[2:25:07] outcome.

[2:25:08] So ordered, Chairman DePama.

[2:25:11] Better President, time for an announcement or not yet?

[2:25:14] Sure, I'll go ahead.

[2:25:15] Thank you, Madam President.

[2:25:17] Seeing as how we need to conclude use a few minutes before finance is going to be.

[2:25:21] I have an announcement to make.

[2:25:23] We should have made earlier.

[2:25:24] You'll hear me talk about facts, data, and context.

[2:25:28] So we, one of our facts are there are many films and movies that have been filmed in the

[2:25:32] State House.

[2:25:33] We know about them, the Brotherhood.

[2:25:35] We know about L.M.A.K.

[2:25:37] Maybe others as well.

[2:25:39] We don't know, honestly, I guess we've been some series that have been filmed at the state house,

[2:25:44] but none of us will say we're one of a real life series film that the state house.

[2:25:53] So in our midst, we have someone who I think is going to be getting her screen actor's

[2:25:57] guild card, Senator Ersa, so fact that that's the case.

[2:26:01] And we've talked about context, in case you were wondering about the context, if you happen

[2:26:05] see the show this weekend. The real hallways of Rhode Island. Yes, I do watch with my wife.

[2:26:12] I need to watch it this week. In fact, the setting, the Senate of Ursula did a phenomenal

[2:26:16] job this setting for the film for the movie for the show was in fact room 210. So I gave

[2:26:24] my office Senator Ursula said, Senator, can you use the office for staging? I said, Senator,

[2:26:29] why don't you use the office for the actual scene? Guess what? The scene is there. So

[2:26:35] As I'd like to say, Bravo, Senator.

[2:26:47] Senator Pieson.

[2:26:48] You met in President May be recording the affirmative items one through nine, please.

[2:26:54] Senator Pieson requests to be mocked in the affirmative items one through nine, does not impact the outcome so ordered.

[2:27:01] Jim and Fielegg.

[2:27:05] Well, I can see his facts and data.

[2:27:08] Who says that? I just got a delay in another minute or so. And the Finance Committee will

[2:27:15] be meeting at 745. So, facts and data prevailed here, where we were able to have our

[2:27:23] finance meeting at 745, not a President did well going through the whole agenda. And with

[2:27:30] that, I move that the Finance Committee will be meeting at the rise in room 211, your

[2:27:37] I hope to attend it.

[2:27:38] It's greatly appreciated.

[2:27:39] Thank you.

[2:27:40] We have finished today's calendar.

[2:27:42] Are there any further announcements?

[2:27:47] Chairman Basilian.

[2:27:49] Thank you very much.

[2:27:50] Madam President, seeing as we have about 30 seconds to go, I was enjoying my colleague over

[2:27:56] here who was just acknowledged filling out the Providence Journal Crossword Puzzle

[2:28:01] from Thursday, June 4th, and one across, we are looking for a four-letter word

[2:28:08] facts and figures. Any guesses? Any takers?

[2:28:13] Data, get correct, yeah, there you go.

[2:28:15] There you go, Luke.

[2:28:18] Any further announcements?

[2:28:21] So any objection to transmitting adopted resolution

[2:28:24] to the Honorable Secretary of State, all matters passed by the Senate

[2:28:28] to the Honorable House of Representatives, in all matters passed

[2:28:31] in concurrence to his excellency the governor, hearing none so

[2:28:37] We have to coi in the desk is now clear of business I call on what to coi in for the purpose of adjournment.

[2:28:46] Thank you Madam President, there is no for the business before the Senate today.

[2:28:48] I will the Senate adjourn.

[2:28:50] We have to coi in moves that the Senate adjourn.

[2:28:52] It is seconded by leadership.

[2:28:54] All those in favor of adjournment, please signify by saying aye.

[2:28:59] All those opposed nay.

[2:29:01] The Senate stands adjourned.

Rhode Island Senate: 6-10-2026

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