By WPRO News and the Associated Press
Gun bills are back at the State House
On the anniversary of the Parkland school shooting, and with one of the school’s students in the audience, Governor Gina Raimondo and Attorney General Peter Neronha announced the introduction of 3 familiar gun bills; bans on assault weapons, high capacity magazines, and guns in schools.
“If we eliminate weapons going forward that allow people to shoot at range, and with greater destruction, that oftentimes outman or outgun our first responders, then that’s a price I’m willing to pay to make our children and our communities safer,” Neronha said.
The bills have previously failed to pass the General Assembly, but Raimondo said they could stand a chance this year.
“First of all, we have to try, right? And second of all, this is what Rhode Islanders want. Poll after poll says Rhode Islanders want this,” she said.
House and Senate leaders emphasized committee hearings will have to come first.
“The bills, when introduced, will be assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and full and fair public hearings will be held,” said House Speaker Nick Mattiello through a spokesman.
A spokesperson for Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said he has not yet reviewed the new language of the bills.
“He will await the public testimony at a full and fair hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the guidance of the committee,” he said.
In addition, Senator Cynthia Coyne has introduced a bill to ban 3-D printed guns, saying she fears that anyone with internet access and a 3D printer will soon be able to make weapons that are undetectable and untraceable.
Representative won’t pursue complaint about testimony
Representative Gregory Constantino A Democratic anti-abortion legislator from Rhode Island told WPRO’s Matt Allen that he isn’t pursuing a police complaint about testimony submitted to the House Judiciary Committee that referenced him.
Representative proposes studying decriminalizing prostitution
Representative Anastasia Williams is proposing the creation of a group to study the various impacts of decriminalizing prostitution. A group that advocates for sex workers, COYOTE, or Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics, joined Matt Allen to discuss the bill.
Listen to “Bella Robinson – Executive Director COYOTE RI – Decriminalizing sex work” on Spreaker.
Senate approves mobile sports betting
A bill to legalize mobile sports betting on apps and devices cleared the Senate this week. The bill has been a priority for Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who said lines at Twin River’s locations have been long since sports betting launched. The bill now goes to the House.
Over 1300 complaints lodged against RI medical transit vendor MTM
Representative Patricia Serpa told WPRO’s Tara Granahan that Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services has received more than 1300 complaints against the state’s new medical transport vendor in the first month of its contract.
Raimondo said the company’s performance is “very disappointing,” but says they are making improvements and that the state is currently thinking of renegotiating the contract.
Listen to “Rep Patricia Serpa” on Spreaker.
