State House

From the State House

Senate OKs Wiretap Bill To Address Human Trafficking

State House – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Cynthia A. Coyne to allow wiretaps for suspected human trafficking investigations.

Chairwoman Coyne’s bill (2022-S 2706) would add felony violations of human trafficking to the offenses for which investigators may apply for a court order for the interception of wire or oral communication.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that destroys the victims’ lives, and it remains a very real problem here in Rhode Island and throughout the country. Investigators need every available tool to stop traffickers, and since traffickers often work in networks, intercepting communication is very important in shutting them down and bringing them to justice,” said Chairwoman Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), who is a retired state trooper. The legislation is backed by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, which is expected to vote Thursday on identical legislation (2022-H 7700) sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett).

Reps. Amore, O’Brien and Solomon Express their Concerns about New Proposed High School Graduation Requirements

State House – Representatives Gregg Amore, William W. O’Brien and Joseph J. Solomon, Jr. are releasing the following statement detailing their concerns with the Rhode Island Department of Education’s newly proposed updated high school graduation requirements for the state’s public schools:

“While we acknowledge that our high school graduation requirements needed updating, and there are aspects to this update we applaud, there are still significant concerns we share within the new proposed requirements,” said Representatives Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence), O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) and Solomon (D-Dist. 22, Warwick).

“In particular, these updated proposed requirements would afford little time for the necessary planning, staffing, supply allocation, and establishment of proper facilities that is mandated by the new requirements. We are also concerned that the new requirement that students complete two credits in world languages could be at odds with the established policies for existing and future English language learners. We also have serious reservations regarding the ability to not only find sufficient personnel to teach these requirements, as well as finding the funding for this and other proposed programs.

“Our concerns also apply to requiring a computer science credit to graduate in that it may take away from arts programs. The Rhode Island Music Education Association and the Rhode Island Art Education Association oppose this plan, saying that the proposed requirements do not include fine arts courses and that it will decrease the time students have to accommodate, learn from and enjoy arts education. This concern is compounded by the emphasis on ‘college readiness’ that will limit opportunities for our students who are more interested in career pathways rather than higher education.

“While we are enthusiastic supporters of giving access to college preparatory classes to all students, our fear is that the new proposed graduation requirements will force students to take classes that they will not need or use later in life, such as advanced mathematics courses, while also forcing these students to forego classes that may interest and spur their educational growth and success, such as arts, music or trades programs. Everyone knows that our educational system is in need of change but now is the time to focus on the significant learning losses and the chronic absenteeism that has resulted from the pandemic. We must address these serious issues first to ensure that the changes we make to our graduation requirements are beneficial to every student in Rhode Island,” concluded Representatives Amore, O’Brien and Solomon.

House Passes Whip Kazarian’s Bill Banning the Sale of Animal Furs

State House – The House of Representatives today passed legislation (2022-H 7361) sponsored by House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian which would prohibit the sale, offer of sale, trade or distribution of animal fur products within Rhode Island.

“Farming fur is not only cruel and inhumane to the poor animals trapped in cramped and filthy cages waiting to be killed and skinned, but it also poses significant health and environmental threats to the state. From fur farms being documented as possible outbreak sites of dangerous zoonotic diseases, such as coronaviruses, to the energy intensive processes that are required, as well as, the potential air and water run off contamination from the hazardous metals and chemicals that are used, fur farming poses a threat to ourselves and the environment. There was a time when animal furs were crucial to our survival, but that time has long passed and we must do the right thing and end this cruel and unnecessary practice of producing and selling animal furs for fashion purposes,” said Whip Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence).

Fur products are defined as any article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including, but not limited to, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, key chains, toys or trinkets and home accessories and decor that is made in whole or in part of fur. Any animal skin or part that is to be converted into leather, cowhide with the hair attached, lambskin or sheepskin with the fleece attached and the pelt or skin of any animal that is preserved through taxidermy, or for the purpose of taxidermy, are not considered fur products.

Exemptions to the proposal include used products by an individual, excluding a retail transaction, nonprofit organization or second hand store, including a pawn shop and fur products required for use in the practice of a religion.

Penalties for violating the act are for a first violation, a civil penalty of up to $500; for a second violation that occurred within one year of a previous violation, a civil penalty of up to $750; and for a third violation that occurred within one year of a second violation, a civil penalty $1,000.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration where Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) has introduced the bill (2022-S 2646).