HOUSE JOURNALS - Wednesday, May 31, 2000

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

JOURNAL
-OF THE-
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JANUARY SESSION of the General Assembly begun and held at the State House in the City of Providence on Tuesday, the fourth day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand.

Volume 127, No. 54 Wednesday, May 31, 2000 Fifty-fourth Day

The House of Representatives meets at the State House in Providence, Wednesday, May 31, 2000, and is called to order at 4:24 o'clock P.M., by the Honorable John B. Harwood, Speaker.

The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 100 members present and 0 members absent as follows:

PRESENT - 100: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah-Odiase, Aiken, Ajello, Almeida, Amaral, Anderson, M., Anderson, 5., Barr, Benoit, Benson, Bramley, Burlingame, Callahan, Cambio, Caprio. Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fleury, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, George. Giannini, Ginaitt, Gorham, Heffner, Henseler, Hetherington, Hogan, Inman, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kelley, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi, Levesque, C., Levesque, 6., Lewiss, Lima, Long, Lopes, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Millard, Montanaro, Moran, Moura, Mumford, Munschy, Murphy. Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Quick, Rabideau, Reilly, Rose, Russo, San Bento, Savage, Schadone, Scott, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Voccola, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Williamson, Winfield.

ABSENT- 0-

INVOCATION

The Honorable Speaker presents Representative Aiken, who delivers the Invocation and leads the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

(For Invocation, see Appendix, this Journal.)

CORRECTION

By unanimous consent, the House Journal of Tuesday, May 30, 2000, is hereby corrected on page 8, column 1, line 32, by deleting the word "no" after the word "is" and before the word "objection".

APPROVAL OF RECORD

By unanimous consent, the House Journal of Tuesday, May 30, 2000, is approved as corrected.

COMMUNICATION

The Honorable Speaker announces the receipt of the following communication:

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 31, 2000

hereby give notice that from June 5 to June 11, 2000, inclusive, I will be unable to attend session.

Respectfully submitted,

PETER F. KILMARTIN Deputy Majority Leader
Representative, District 80

Received and ordered to be placed on file.

EFFECTIVE WITHOUT SIGNATURE OF THE GOVERNOR

The Honorable Speaker announces receipt by the Secretary of State of the following measures, effective without signature of His Excellency, the Governor:

(2000-H 8106) An Act relating to taxation property tax classification and homestead exemption in the City of Woonsocket, effective May 24, 2000.

(2000-H 8212) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Freeborn Real Estate, Inc., effective May 24, 2000.

Received and ordered to be placed on file.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Representative Shavers rises to congratulate Representative Sherlock on receiving the John H. Chafee Leadership Award.

PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

By unanimous consent, Representative G. Levesque addresses the members of the House on a point of personal privilege in regard to a newspaper article.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON CORPORATIONS

Representative Kennedy, for the Committee on Corporations, reports back the following measures, with recommendation of no passage:

(2000-H 7310) An Act relating to businesses and professions. No further action required.

(2000-H 7432) An Act relating to businesses and professions.

No further action required.

Representative Kennedy, for the Committee on Corporations, reports back the following measures, with recommendation of passage:

(00-S 2794 as amended) An Act relating to motor vehicle insurance- rental vehicles.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(00-S 2742) An Act relating to insurance.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE

Representative Benoit, for the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, reports back the following measures, with recommendation of passage:

(2000-H 8263) House Resolution memorializing Congress to take measures to further reduce the adverse effects of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 8264) House Resolution requesting the 106th Congress of the United States of America to pass legislation to add a prescription drug benefit to the medicare program.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar. (2000-H 8265) House Resolution requesting the 106th Congress of the United States of America to pass 5. 707 entitled, An Act to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Representative Flaherty, for the Committee on Judiciary, reports back the following measure, with recommendation of passage:

(2000-H 8223) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Representative Ginaitt, for the Joint Committee on Environment and Energy, reports back the following measures, with recommendation of passage:

(2000-H 7504) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to waters and navigation - Coastal Resources Management Council.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 7613) An Act relating to health and safety - refuse disposal.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 7745) An Act relating to health and safety - waste recycling and degradable plastics and packaging.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 7999) (Substitute "A") House Resolution respectfully requesting that the United States Congress remove the requirement in the Clean Air Act for percent of content by weight oxygenate in reformulation gasoline.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 8070) An Act relating to state affairs and government - Department of Administration.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 8071) House Resolution directing the Department of Administration to assign necessary department staff to perform functions required by the Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act, 45-22.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(2000-H 8210) House Resolution respectfully requesting that the Federal Government provide funding for the purpose of Barton Farm (a.k.a. Perra Farm) as farmland/open space.

Received and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

NEW BUSINESS

Representatives Costantino, Henseler, Benoit, Coderre and Fox introduce (2000-H 8279) An Act relating to pharmacy.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Representative Menard introduces (2000-H 8280) Joint Resolution making an appropriation of $555.38 to pay the claim of Raymond Poulin of 417 New River Road, Manville, Rhode Island 02838.

Read and referred to the Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims.

Representative G. Levesque introduces (2000-H 8281) An Act relating to the town of Jamestown.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Representatives Menard and Barr introduce (2000-H 8282) House Resolution congratulating Yun Ling Wong on graduating as Valedictorian of the 2000 Class of Lincoln High School.

Representative Menard requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Menard, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Barr and Menard introduce (2000-II 8283) House Resolution congratulating Varun Gajendran for being selected as Salutatorian of the Class of 2000 at Lincoln High School.

Representative Barr requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Barr, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Barr and Menard introduce (2000-H 8284) House Resolution congratulating Chelsea Giorgio on her rope skipping accomplishments.

Representative Barr requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Barr, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Menard and Barr introduce (2000-H 8285) House Resolution congratulating Nicholas Forgue for his rope skipping accomplishments.

Representative Menard requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Menard, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives McNamara, Hetherington and Watson introduce (2000-H 8286) House Resolution commemorating the 125th Annual Commissioning Day of the Rhode Island Yacht Club.

Representative McNamara requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative McNamara, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Naughton, Henseler, Crowley, Watson, Callahan and several other members of the House introduce (2000-H 8287) House Resolution extending the reporting date of the special House commission to develop and coordinate a collaborative effort to formulate a restoration plan for the North Cape Barge Oil Spill.

Representative Naughton requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Naughton, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Martineau and Watson introduce (2000-H 8288) House Resolution extending congratulations.

Representative Martineau requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Martineau, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Martineau and Watson introduce (2000-H 8289) House Resolution extending condolences.

Representative Martineau requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Martineau, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a rising vote.

Representatives Barr and Winfield introduce (2000-H 8290) House Resolution honoring Gordon E. Jackson for over fifty years of service to the Lime Rock Fire District.

Representative Barr requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Barr, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representatives Amaral and Quick introduce (2000-H 8291) House Resolution congratulating Dr. Timothy Flanigan for being awarded the nation's highest honor for community health leadership.

Representative Amaral requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative Amaral, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

Representative M. Anderson introduces (2000-H 8292) House Resolution respectfully urging the United States Congress to provide full and permanent funding for the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Representative M. Anderson requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

There is no objection.

Read and passed, on motion of Representative M. Anderson, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

CALENDAR

From the Calendar are taken:

1.(2000-H 7688) Joint Resolution to approve and publish and submit to the electors a proposition of amendment to the Constitution of the State (composition of General Assembly).

Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.

Representative Carpenter moves passage of the resolution, seconded by Representative Martineau and several other members of the House.

By unanimous consent, Representative Carpenter, seconded by Representatives Martineau and several other members of the House, offers the following written motion to amend:

FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO

(2000-H 7688)

Mr. Speaker:

I hereby move to amend (2000-H 7688) entitled "RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE (COMPOSITION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY )" as follows:

On page 2, delete in their entirety, lines 14 to 17, inclusive.

Respectfully submitted,

MARSHA E. CARPENTER
Representative, District 18

Representatives Carpenter, Lopes and Watson discuss the amendment.

Representative Watson requests leave of the House to offer an oral amendment.

Representative Flaherty objects.

Representatives Montanaro and Martineau discuss the amendment.

Representative Martineau moves to reconsider the oral amendment to

(2000-H 7688), seconded by Representative Watson.

There is no objection.

The oral amendment is reconsidered, by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

By unanimous consent, Representative Watson, seconded by Representatives Martineau and Cicilline, offers an oral motion to amend the amendment.

Representative Watson indicates that he desires time to prepare a written amendment.

Representatives Martineau, Burlingame and Cicilline discuss the proposed amendment.

Representative Flaherty withdraws his objection, without prejudice, and discusses the proposed amendment.

Representatives C. Levesque, Gorham and Lally discuss the proposed amendment.

Representative G. Levesque renews the prior objection to the oral amendment.

Representative Watson rises to state that Representative G. Levesque's objection is not timely. The Speaker rules that a member may renew such an objection at any time.

Representative Watson offers a written amendment but without copies.

Representative Burlingame objects, but suggests that Representative Watson's oral amendment be allowed, in which Representative Martineau concurs. The oral motion to amend the amendment is read and fails on a roll call vote, 22 members voting in the affirmative and 76 members voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 22: Representatives Amaral, Benson, Bramley, Callahan, DeSimone, Fleury, Gorham, Heffner, Kelley, Knickle, Lanzi, Long, Millard, Montanaro, Mumford, Quick, Rabideau, Savage, Scott, Smith, Wasylyk, Watson.

NAYS - 76: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah-Odiase, Aiken, Ajello, Almeida, Anderson, M., Anderson, 5., Barr, Benoit, Burlingame, Cambio, Caprio, Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, Giannini, Ginaitt, Henseler, Hetherington, Hogan, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Lally, Levesque, C., Levesque, 6., Lewiss, Lima, Lopes, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Moran, Moura, Munschy, Murphy, Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Reilly, Rose, Russo San Bento, Schadone, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Voccola, Williams, Williamson, Winfield.

Representative Cicilline requests the journal to reflect that he had intended to vote in the affirmative on the oral amendment to

(2000-H 7688).

There is no objection.

Representative Lopes discusses the amendment.

The motion to amend is read and prevails on a roll call vote, 95 members voting in the affirmative and 1 member voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 96: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah-Odiase, Aiken, Ajello. Almeida, Amaral, Anderson, M., Anderson, 5., Barr, Benoit, Benson, Bramley, Burlingame, Callahan, Cambio, Caprio, Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fleury, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, Giannini, Ginaitt, Gorham, Heffner, Henseler, Hetherington, Hogan, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kelley, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi, Levesque, 6., Lewiss, Lima, Long, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Millard, Montanaro, Moran, Moura, Mumford, Munschy, Murphy. Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Quick, Rabideau, Reilly, Rose, Russo, San Bento, Savage, Schadone, Scott, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Voccola, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Williamson. Winfield.

NAYS - 1: Representative Lopes.

Representatives Heffner, Lima, M. Anderson, Cicilline, G. Levesque, Williamson, Costantino, Hetherington, Garabedian and Watson discuss the resolution as amended.

(For Representative M. Anderson's Address, See Appendix)

Read and passed as amended, on a roll call vote, 84 members voting in the affirmative and 15 members voting in the negative as follows

YEAS - 84: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah.Odiase, Aiken, Ajello, Almeida, Anderson, M., Anderson, 5., Barr, Benoit, Benson, Burlingame, Cambio, Caprio, Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, Giannini, Ginaitt, Henseler, Hetherington, Hogan, Inman, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi, Levesque, C., Levesque, 6., Lewiss, Lima, Lopes, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Montanaro, Moran, Moura, Munschy, Murphy, Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Reilly, Rose, Russo, San Bento, Schadone, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Voccola, Wasylyk, Williams, Williamson, Winfield.

NAYS - 15: Representatives Amaral, Bramley, Callahan, Fleury, Gorham, Heffner, Kelley, Long, Millard, Mumford, Quick, Rabideau, Savage, Scott, Watson.

Representative Watson requests to hold the act on the desk.

There is no objection.

RECONSIDERATION

Representative Martineau moves to reconsider

(2000-H 8005 as amended), seconded by Representatives Kilmartin, McNamara, Sherlock and Lima.

There is no objection.

The act is reconsidered, by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

(2000-H 8005 as amended) An Act relating to criminal offenses- weapons.

By unanimous consent, Representative Kilmartin, seconded by Representatives Cicilline, Carroll, Reilly, Lima, Aiken, Sullivan and several other members of the House, offers the following written motion to amend:

FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO

(2000-H 8005 as amended)

Mr. Speaker:

I hereby move to amend (2000-H 8005 as amended) entitled "AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS',' as follows:

1. On page 3, in section 11-47-3.2(b)(2) after the words "or if a police officer" by inserting the words "who is engaged in the performance of his or her duty".

2. On page 3, in section 11-47-3.2(b)(3) after the words "if a police officer" by inserting the words "who is engaged in the performance of his or her duty".

Respectfully submitted,

PETER F. KILMARTIN
Representative, District 80

The motion to amend is read and prevails on a roll call vote, 93 members voting in the affirmative and 0 members voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 93: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah.Odiase, Aiken, Ajello, Almeida, Amaral, Anderson, M., Anderson, S., Barr, Benoit, Benson, Bramley, Burlingame, Callahan, Cambio, Caprio, Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fleury, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, Giannini, Ginaitt, Gorham, Heffner, Henseler, Hetherington, Hogan, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kelley, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi, Levesque, C., Levesque, G., Lewiss, Lima, Long, Lopes, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Montanaro, Moran, Moura, Mumford, Munschy, Murphy, Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Quick, Rabideau, Reilly, Rose, San Bento, Savage, Schadone, Scott, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Winfield

NAYS -0.

Representative Shavers requests the journal to reflect that if she had voted on Representative Kilmartin's amendment to

(2000-H 8005 as amended), she would have voted in the affirmative.

There is no objection.

By unanimous consent, Representative Cicilline, seconded by Representatives Kilmartin, Carroll and Ajello, offers the following written motion to amend:

FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO

(2000-H 8005 as amended)

Mr. Speaker:

I hereby move to amend

(2000-H 8005 as amended) entitled "AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - WEAPONS',' as follows:

1. On page 1, Section 11-47-30 in the last line, after the word "age" insert "when said person knows or has reason to know that the recipient is under eighteen (18) years of age."

2. On page 2, in Section 11-47-31 after the words "eighteen (18) years of age" insert "when said person knows or has reason to know that the recipient is under eighteen (18) years of age."

Respectfully submitted,

DAVID N., CICILLINE
Representative, District 4

The motion to amend is read and prevails on a roll call vote, 93 members voting in the affirmative and 0 members voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 93: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah-Odiase, Aiken, Ajello, Almeida, Amaral, Anderson, S., Barr, Benoit, Benson, Bramley, Burlingame, Callahan, Cambio, Caprio, Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fleury, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, Giannini, Ginaitt, Gorham, Heffner, Hetherington, Hogan, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kelley, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi, Levesque, C., Levesque, G., Lewiss, Lima, Long, Lopes, Lowe, Maher, Malik, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Montanaro, Moran, Moura, Mumford, Munschy, Murphy, Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Quick, Rabideau, Reilly, Rose, Russo, San Bento, Savage, Schadone, Scott, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Voccola, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Winfield.

NAYS -0. The act passes as amended, on a roll call vote, 92 members voting in the affirmative and 2 members voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 92: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah-Odiase, Aiken, Ajello. Almeida, Amaral, Anderson, M., Anderson, S., Barr, Benoit, Benson, Bramley, Burlingame, Callahan, Cambio, Caprio, Carpenter, Carroll, Carter, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Ferguson, Flaherty, Fleury, Fox, Garabedian, Garvey, Giannini, Ginaitt, Gorham, Heffner, Hetherington, Hogan, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kelley, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi. Lewiss, Lima, Long, Lopes, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Montanaro, Moran, Moura, Mum ford, Munschy, Murphy, Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Pisaturo, Quick, Rabideau, Reilly, Rose, San Bento, Savage, Schadone, Scott, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Sullivan, Thompson, Vieira, Voccola, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Winfield.

NAYS - 2: Representatives Levesque, C., Levesque, G.

On suggestion of the Majority Leader, and by unanimous consent, the Calendars for today and tomorrow are continued to Tuesday, June 6, 2000.

TRANSMITTAL

By unanimous consent,

(2000-H 8005 as amended) on the Clerk's desk is ordered to be transmitted to the Honorable Senate forthwith.

CONSENT CALENDAR

From the Consent Calendar are taken.

1.(2000-H 8231) An Act relating to the Bradford Fire District.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

2.(2000-H 8216) An Act relating to taxation - Maria S.S. Della Difesa.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

3.(2000-H 8196) An Act in amendment of Chapter 12 of the Public Laws of 1987 of the State of Rhode Island entitled "An Act to incorporate the Ashaway Fire District".

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

4.(2000-H 8178) An Act exempting from taxation the real, mixed and personal property of Academy Science Center, Inc.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

5.(2000-H 8137) An Act relating to Providence Country Day School.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

6.(2000-H 8123) An Act relating to towns and cities - optional retirement for police/ firefighters.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

(2000-H 8122) An Act relating to the city of Providence - residential rehabilitation tax relief.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

8.(2000-H 7365) An Act establishing a North Providence Land Trust.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

9.(2000-H 7050) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to establishing the Smithfield Land Trust.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute A".

10.(00-S 2807) An Act relating to taxation - exemption.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

11. (00-S 2812) An Act providing for improvements to its water system by the Stone Bridge Fire District and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $252,000 in bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

12. (00-S 2822) An Act authorizing the town of Coventry to finance the acquisition and improvement of land for recreational purposes by the issuance of not more than $2,000,000 bonds and/or notes therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

13. (00-S 2854) Joint Resolution creating a special legislative commission to study the concept of sustainability as it could be encouraged by state government.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

14.(00-S 2872) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of MDM Landscape Construction, Inc.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

15. (00-S 2903) An Act relating to participation by employees of the Department of Public Works of the town of Barrington who are members of United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC, Local 14845, Bargaining Unit in the Municipal Employees' Retirement System.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

Read and passed, items 10-15 in concurrence, on motion of Representative Martineau, seconded by Representative Corvese, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Representative Kennedy announces that the Committee on Corporations will meet today after break in Room 203 of the State House.

Also:

Representative Carter announces that the Committee on Finance will meet today after break in Room 35 of the State House.

Also:

Representative Benoit announces that the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare will meet today after break Room 135 of the State House.

Also:

Majority Leader Martineau announces there will be no session tomorrow, Thursday, June 1, 2000. Session will convene on Tuesday, June 6, 2000.

ADJOURNMENT

At 6:07 o'clock P.M. on motion of Representative Martineau, seconded by Representative Watson, the House adjourns, on a voice vote.

LINDA McELROY
Recording Clerk

Appendix

INVOCATION

REPRESENTATIVE DENISE C. AIKEN

Dear God, be with us here and always. Help us to be grateful for the privilege of serving your people in this House of Representatives. Amen

Appendix

TRANSMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR

(00-S 2933) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Central Fire Company, Number

Appendix

HOUSE ADDRESS

REPRESENTATIVE MABEL M. ANDERSON

Mr. Speaker and Ladies and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

On behalf of the people of the City of Pawtucket, I rise today to support this legislation.

There is a saying, if you're going to tell a lie, tell it often, and the bigger, the better

I have listened to the proponents of downsizing the legislature, and it appears that they have learned that lesson well.

Let's start with the first lie. The first lie is that I'm voting for this bill out of self-interest, to protect my job.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me share a little secret. I have no intention of running for the legislature in 2002. The upcoming election will be my last one. Unlike Common Cause and the other special interest supporters of downsizing, I have nothing to personally gain.

So let's move on to the second lie: the people want this.

I did some checking, and the good people of District 77 in Pawtucket spoke loud and clear that they did not want to be stripped of access to their legislator. The people at Fallon School voted it down. The people at Agnes Little voted it down. The people at Columbus Avenue Fire Station voted it down. The people at Independence Square voted it down. Indeed, at every polling place in my district, people voted it down. The people in my district knew exactly what they were voting on and they said no. God bless them.

Now I know what the good folks at Common Cause have said about me: the voters of District 77 are not very bright, after all, they keep re-electing Mabel Anderson.

So let's look around the city of Pawtucket. Bill Vieira: the people at Euart Post voted it down. Bill San Bento: the people at the Smithfield Avenue Fire Station voted it down. John Harwood, the people from Barton Street voted it down. Elaine Coderre, the people at Burns Manor voted it down. Peter Kilmartin, the people at Potter-Burns School voted it down. Tony Pires, the people at Curtis School voted it down. Betsy Dennigan, the people at the Blackstone Valley Center voted it down.

Now I know what my dear friends at Common Cause are now saying, well what can you expect from Pawtucket. So lets look around the state Maria Lopes, the people in East Providence voted it down. Barbara Burlingame, the people in Woonsocket voted it down. Scott Rabideau, the people in Burrillville voted it down. Joe Faria, the people in Central Falls voted it down. Aram Garabedian, the people of Cranston voted it down.

So who voted for it? Rumstick Point in Barrington. Poppasquash Point in Bristol. The Dunes Club in Narragansett. Carriage Heights in Lincoln. The East Side of Providence Well ladies, it looks like the membership of Common Cause.

And ladies and gentlemen, that's all downsizing is - a power grab by the people behind Common Cause. You know it and I know it. Having sat here for almost twenty years, I know exactly what's going to happen if there is redistricting and downsizing take place together: the same old communities are going to be protected, and the same old communities are going to be screwed. Is the East Side of Providence going to be downsized- of course not. They'll just chop up Pawtucket like they did ten years ago. Downsize Rumstick Point never, when they can rip Warren to shreds.

So what's the third lie - downsizing has worked in other states. I urge each and every one of you to look carefully at the information prepared by Common Cause. Look at the chart comparing representatives per person. Do you notice that something is missing? Where is New Hampshire on that chart? Where is Vermont on that chart? Does Common Cause think those states are corrupt? I find it very disturbing that Common Cause wants us to imitate Massachusetts when we should be following Vermont and New Hampshire.

Ladies and gentlemen, for the last eighteen years I have marched to my own tune in this chamber. That tune has two voices, the bass, which is my conscience, and the melody, which is the chorus of ten thousand people in Darlington and Bishops Bend and Quality Hill in Pawtucket. I have done my very best to listen to my two voices, and I have tried to communicate with every one of my constituents. I know that many of you look at your voters the same way. and with downsizing that will be gone.

I recognize and accept that my view of this chamber is not shared by Common Cause. I don't come to this State House every day and think pure thoughts. I try to think what my voters would want me to think. I learn by listening and I listen to my voters over the fence, at the swimming pool, and on my trusty telephone. My office is a shopping cart on Sunday afternoon at Stop & Shop. When I leave in 2002. you probably won't remember any famous bill with my name I do hope. however, that I have helped the people of Pawtucket who are just as important as the members of Common Cause and their friends on Rumstick Point and the East Side of Providence.

I would like to conclude by saying that if the legislature is downsized, future legislators will not be able to have the type of one on one contact that I have been privileged to have with the people of Pawtucket for the last eighteen \ears.

But then, maybe that's the point. To put in words that Common Cause would understand, what's one old lady looking out for a lot of forgotten people in Pawtucket.

But if you are one of those forgotten people, that access to your legislator is so very important. Please vote yes for the forgotten people.

Thank you.

Appendix

CONSENT CALENDAR In order for Tuesday, June 6, 2000:

1.(2000-H 8191) An Act establishing a Johnston Land Trust.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

2.(2000-H 8152) An Act authorizing the town of South Kingstown to finance the acquisition of land for open space, recreation and agricultural purposes and to issue not more than $1,000,000 bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

3.(2000-H 8151) An Act authorizing the town of South Kingstown to finance public works capital improvement projects and to issue not more than $1,000,000 bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

4.(2000-H 8150) An Act authorizing the town of South Kingstown to finance the development and construction of multi-use playfields, bikeways and park facilities on property located off Broad Rock Road and to issue not more than $1,100,000 bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

5.(2000-H 8149) An Act authorizing the town of South Kingstown to finance the development and construction of multi-use playfields and park facilities on property located in Green Hill and to issue not more than $600,000 bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

6.(2000-H 8148) An Act authorizing the town of South Kingstown to finance the renovation and/or replacement of the roof of the South Road School and to issue not more than $400,000 bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

(2000-H 8147) An Act authorizing the town of South Kingstown to finance the renovation and expansion of buildings and parking facilities at the town hall and to issue not more than $1,000,000 bonds therefor.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

8.(2000-H 8139) An Act relating to taxation tri-town economic opportunity committee.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

9.(2000-H 8138) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Athena Industries, Inc.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

10.(2000-H 8130) An Act relating to town housing authorities.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

11.(2000-H 6888) An Act exempting from taxation the real, mixed and personal property of the Burrillville Glocester Youth Soccer Association, Inc.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

12.(00-S 2953) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of the Brewerville Civic Association, Inc.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.

Appendix

CONSENT CALENDAR

In order for Wednesday, June 7, 2000:

(2000-H 8215) (Substitute "A") An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the renovation and reconstruction and equipping of public recreation facilities in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $700,000 bonds and notes therefor, to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

2.(2000-H 8217) (Substitute "A") An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the renovation and equipping of public school 'buildings in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof including the issue of not more than $3,200,000 bonds and notes therefor, to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

3.(2000-H 8218) (Substitute "A") An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the renovation and improvement of public buildings in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $475,000 bonds and notes therefor, to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

4.(2000-H 8219) (Substitute "A") An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the improvement and replacement of road and traffic control devices in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $200,000 bonds and notes therefor, to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

5.(2000-H 8232) (Substitute "A-') An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the construction and reconstruction of sanitary and storm drains in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $475,000 bonds and notes therefor, to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

6.(2000-H 8233) (Substitute "A") An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the construction and reconstruction of streets and sidewalks in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $750,000 bonds and notes therefor, to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passages of Substitute "A".

(2000-H 8234) (Substitute "A") An Act authorizing the city of Pawtucket to provide for the reconstruction of highway bridges in the city of Pawtucket and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $200,000 bonds and notes therefor. to fund improvements for two fiscal years.

Committee on Corporations recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

LOUIS D'ANTUONO
Reading Clerk
Wednesday, May 31, 2000

Appendix

CALENDAR

In order for Tuesday, June 6, 2000:

1.(2000-H 7926) An Act relating to domestic relations custody of children.

Committee on Finance recommends passage.

2.(2000-H 8172) An Act relating to the designation of the state yacht.

Committee on Finance recommends passage.

3.(2000-H 7296) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to indictments, informations and complaints.

Committee on Finance recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

4.(2000-H 7274) (Substitute "A" as amended) An Act relating to roofing contractors.

Committee on Labor recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A" as amended.

(2000-H 8144) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to days of special observance.

Committee on Labor recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

6.(2000-H 6968) Joint Resolution extending the reporting date of the special legislative commission to study the feasibility of allowing unionized classified employees at all higher education institutions to be able to negotiate directly with Rhode Island Board of Governors.

Committee on Labor recommends passage.

7.(2000-H 7797) An Act relating to election party levers.

Committee on Special Legislation recommends passage.

8.(2000-H 7214) (Substitute "A'-) An Act relating to motor vehicles.

Joint Committee on Highway Safety recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

9.(2000-H 7283) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles- registration of motor vehicles.

Joint Committee on Highway Safety recommends passage.

10.(00-S 2606 as amended) An Act relating to alcoholic beverages.

Committee on Special Legislation recommends passage as amended in concurrence.

Appendix

CALENDAR

in order for Thursday, June 8, 2000:

(2000-H 8223) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.

Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.

2.(2000-H 8263) House Resolution memorializing Congress to take measures to further reduce the adverse effects of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends passage.

3.(2000-H 8264) House Resolution requesting the 106th Congress of the United States of America to pass legislation to add a prescription drug benefit to the medicare program.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends passage.

4.(2000-H 8265) House Resolution requesting the 106th Congress of the United States of America to pass S. 707 entitled, An Act to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends passage.

5.(2000-H 8070) An Act relating to state affairs and government Department of Administration.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends passage.

6.(2000-H 8210) House Resolution respectfully requesting that the Federal Government provide funding for the purpose of Barton Farm (a.k.a. Perra Farm) as farmland/open space.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends passage.

7.(2000-H 8071) House Resolution directing the Department of Administration to assign necessary department staff to perform functions required by the Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act, 45-22.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends passage.

8.(2000-H 7745) An Act relating to health and safety - waste recycling and degradable plastics and packaging.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends passage.

9.(2000-H 7613) An Act relating to health and safety - refuse disposal.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends passage.

10.(2000-H 7999) (Substitute "A") House Resolution respectfully requesting that the United States Congress remove the requirement in the Clean Air Act for percent of content by weight oxygenate in reformulation gasoline.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

11.(2000-H 7504) (Substitute "A-') An Act relating to waters and navigation Coastal Resources Management Council.

Joint Committee on Environment and Energy recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

12.(00-S 2794 as amended) An Act relating to motor vehicle insurance - rental vehicles.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage as amended.

13.(00-S 2742) An Act relating to insurance.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

Appendix

CALENDAR

In order for Wednesday, June 14, 2000:

1.(2000-H 6948) An Act relating to parks and recreational areas - general provisions..

Joint Committee on Naming State Constructions recommends passage.

LOUIS D'ANTUONO
Reading Clerk
Wednesday, May 31, 2000

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