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 first day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and two.
| Volume 129, No. 29 |
Thursday, March 14, 2002 |
Twenty-ninth Day |
The House of Representatives meets at the State House in Providence, Thursday, March 14, 2002, and is called to order at 4:15 o'clock P.M., by the Honorable John B. Harwood, Speaker.
The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 93 members present and 7 members absent as follows:
PRESENT - 93: The Honorable Speaker Harwood and Representatives Abdullah-Odiase, Aiken, Ajello, Almeida, Amaral, Anderson, M., Anderson, S., Barr, Benson, Bierman, Brien, S., Brien, T., Callahan, Cambio, Caprio, Carroll, Carter, Cerra, Cicilline, Coderre, Coelho, Coogan, Corvese, Costantino, Crowley, Dennigan, DeSimone, Faria, Flaherty, Fox, Gallison, Garvey, George, Giannini, Ginaitt, Gorham, Guthrie, Henseler, Hogan, Iwuc, Jacquard, Kennedy, Kilmartin, Knickle, Lally, Lanzi, Levesque, Lewiss, Lima, Long, Lowe, Maher, Malik, Martineau, McCauley, McNamara, Menard, Moran, Moura, Mumford, Munschy, Murphy, W.H., Murphy, W.J., Naughton, Palangio, Palumbo, Picard, Pires, Quick, Rabideau, Reilly, Rose, San Bento, Savage, Scott, Shanley, Shavers, Sherlock, Simonian, Slater, Smith, Story, Sullivan, Tejada, Trillo, Vieira, Voccola, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Williamson, Winfield.
ABSENT - 7: Representatives Anguilla, Fleury, Hetherington, Montanaro, Pisaturo, Schadone, Thomspon.
INVOCATIONS
The Honorable Speaker presents Reverend Bernard A. Healey, Pastor of Saint Augustine Church, and Father Angelo Carusi of Saint Ann's Church, who deliver the Invocations, and Minority Leader Watson, who leads the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
(For Invocations, see Appendix, this Journal.)
APPROVAL OF RECORD
By unanimous consent, the House Journal of Wednesday, March 13, 2002, is approved as printed.
For Representative McNamara's Ode to an Irish Legislator, see Appendix.
For Representative W.J. Murphy's toast, see Appendix.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Honorable Senate transmits with announcement of passage, of the following measure:
(02-S 2093 as amended) An Act relating to military affairs and defense.
Read and referred to the Committee on Special Legislation.
GUESTS
Representative Aiken welcomes to the House Chambers as guests Girl Scout Troop 354 of Pawtucket and Troop 43 of Warwick.
Also:
Representative Giannini welcomes to the House Chambers as a guest Sophia Lanzi, adopted daughter of Representative Beatrice Lanzi.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Representative Lewiss wishes Representative Thompson a very Happy Birthday.
Also:
Representative Simonian wishes Representative Giannini a very Happy Birthday.
Also:
Representative Barr rises to congratulate House Judiciary Committee Secretary Jessica Cipriano on her acceptance to the Rhode Island Police Academy, and to extend to her his best wishes for future success.
NEW BUSINESS
Representative Kilmartin introduces (02-H 7900) An Act relating to health and safety - health care accessibility assurance.
Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Representative Kilmartin introduces (02-H 7901) An Act relating to the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Representative Kilmartin introduces (02-H 7902) An Act relating to insurance - Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Representative Kilmartin introduces (02-H 7903) An Act relating to Health Care Accessibility and Quality Assurance Act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Representatives M. Anderson, Kilmartin, Coderre, San Bento and Pires introduce (02-H 7904) An Act relating to towns and cities.
Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Representatives W.H. Murphy, Shavers, Callahan, Almeida and McCauley introduce (02-H 7905) An Act relating to dogs - prohibition on breeding pit bulls.
Read and referred to the Committee on Special Legislation.
Representatives Benson, Carter and Henseler introduce (02-H 7906) House Resolution extending sympathy on the passing of Gordon Kilday, Sr.
Representative Benson requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on motion of Representative Benson, seconded by the entire House of Representatives, and by unanimous consent, on a rising vote.
Representatives Martineau and Watson introduce (02-H 7907) 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 (02-H 7908) 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 Shanley, Carter and Naughton introduce (02-H 7909) House Resolution congratulating Dean Thomas J. Kim on his 11 years as the 6th Dean of the University of Rhode Island College of Engineering.
Representative Shanley requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on motion of Representative Shanley, seconded by Representative Martineau, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.
Representatives Lewiss, Thompson and Kennedy introduce (02-H 7910) House Resolution requesting the Health Department for the State of Rhode Island to allow the town of Westerly to review alternative methods of water disinfection.
Representative Lewiss requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on motion of Representative Lewiss, seconded by Representative McNamara, and by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.
Representatives Faria, Moura and Tejada introduce (02-H 7911) Joint Resolution creating a special legislative commission to study temporary employment practices and procedures.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
NOTICES OF BILL/RESOLUTION
INTRODUCTION
Representative T. Brien gives notice that on the next legislative day, he will introduce a measure concerning fish and game licenses - fee.
This notice is given in compliance with House Rule 42.
TODD R. BRIEN
Representative, District 64
Received and ordered to be placed on file.
Representative T. Brien gives notice that on the next legislative day, he will introduce a measure concerning animals/ animal husbandry - dogs (fines for unlicensed or uncollared dogs).
This notice is given in compliance with House Rule 42.
TODD R. BRIEN
Representative, District 64
Received and ordered to be placed on file.
CONSENT CALENDAR
From the Consent Calendar are taken:
1. (02-S2121) An Act relating to education - establishment of regional school districts.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.
2. (02-S2124) An Act validating and ratifying amendments to the home rule charter of the town of Warren.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.
3. (02-S2133) An Act validating and ratifying an amendment to the charter of the town of West Greenwich.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.
4. (02-S2650) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of Baseball Cards the charter of Rhode Island, Inc.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.
5. (02-S2260) An Act relating to the Shelter Harbor Fire District.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage in concurrence.
Read and passed, in concurrence, on motion of Representative Martineau, seconded by Representative Watson, by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.
CALENDAR
On suggestion of the Honorable Speaker, and by unanimous consent, the Calendar for today is continued to Tuesday, March 19, 2002.
TRANSMITTAL
By unanimous consent, all matters on the Clerk's desk are ordered to be transmitted to His Excellency, the Governor, and to the Honorable Senate forthwith.
ADJOURNMENT
At 4:25 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
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
REVEREND BERNARD A. HEALEY
Good and gracious God, you sent Saint Patrick to preach Your glory to the people of Ireland. The great Bishop Patrick shared with the good people of Ireland his faith and spent his life in loving service to them. Today in honoring this great and holy man, the Apostle of Ireland, may we celebrate his life and his faith, may we serve the poor and needy as he did, may we be zealous in discharging our duties and responsibilities as he was, and may we all bear witness to the love of God with the same fearlessness and courage of Saint Patrick.
Loving God, we ask You to bless all Irish men and women spread across the four corners of the world, we ask you to bless our great State of Rhode Island, we ask you to bless our honorable speaker and all who serve in the House of Representatives.
In the spirit of beloved Saint Patrick we now offer this Irish blessing upon all gathered here today:
May you have good friends aplenty,
and may they be as faithful and reliable
as the morning's sunrise each day.
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night
and a road downhill all the way to your door.
May every hair on your head turn into a candle
to light your way to heaven;
and may God and his mother
take the harm of years away from you.
And may you have no frost on your spuds,
no worms on your cabbage;
may your goat have plenty of milk,
and if you should buy a donkey,
please, God, may she be pregnant.
We ask, this in the name of our loving God. Amen.
Appendix
INVOCATION
ST. JOSEPH'S DAY
FATHER ANGELO CARUSI
Merciful Father, we place ourselves in Your presence and give You thanks for all the blessings that You bestow upon us.
As we celebrate this great Feast of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Protector of the Universal Church and Patron of the worker keep our hearts steadfast in your love and committed to your holy service. Keep us ever mindful of the sacrifices made for us by our ancestors and ever committed to preserving our heritage and traditions.
We ask, You to bless all here present and to give us the strength to follow the holy and just example of St. Joseph. We pray in a special way for all our public servants, that St. Joseph will give them the gifts of wisdom and right judgment that they may carry out their offices with justice, honor, and strength.
Adesso anche preghiamo in Italiano.
Nella memoria di San Giuseppe, noi ti lodiamo, ti benediciamo e ti glorifichiamo. Egli, uomo giusto, da te fu prescelto come sposo di Maria, Vergine e Madre di Dio; servo saggio e fedele fu posto a capo della santa famiglia, per custodire, come pardre, il tuo unico figlio Geso Cristo nostro Signore.
We ask, these and all our prayers through Him who lives reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Saint Joseph and St. Patrick ... pray for us.
Appendix
ODE TO AN IRISH LEGISLATOR
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH M. McNAMARA
A Rhode Island State Rep arrived at heaven's gate
His head was bent and low
He asked the keeper of the gate
the way he ought to go
"What have you done below", he asked
"To seek admission here?"
"I've been through redistricting and downsizing
plus I've dealt with a budget deficit this year"
Saint Peter took his hand
and gently pressed the bell
"Come, my man, and choose your harp
for you've had your share of hell!"
Saint
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Appendix
TOAST
REPRESENTATIVE W.J. MURPHY
Mr. Speaker - Members of the House
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. I know many think of St. Patrick's Day as a day to wear green and consume green foods that aren't normally green. But, we really should remember that it all began as a day to honor one of Ireland's most beloved historical figures: St. Patrick.
We do not know exactly when he was born or when he died, but we know he lived during the 5th century and that he was originally from Roman Britain, probably Wales. When he was about 16, he was captured in a raid and brought to Ireland as a slave to tend sheep. During his enslavement he began praying and after 6 years of slavery he escaped and later went to France to study for the priesthood.
But the lure of the Emerald Isle brought him back. Actually he is said to have had a vision in which the people of Ireland called out to him asking him to come back and bring them Christianity.
He must have been a heck of a good politician. After all, he convinced an entire nation - even one that was divided into tribes - that it needed to change its ways. And still, when he was done, he was regarded as a national hero.
His writings, which are the oldest existing written records from Ireland, show that he was terribly humble. Like many politicians, he took credit for things he didn't do. Legend has it that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. Charlie Bakst says he drove them to Smith Street. Those of you in the Republican Party can also find a friend in St. Patrick. He is the patron saint of outcasts and exiles.
So, whether you are Irish or not, I hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day and you are invited to attend the parade in West Warwick at 1:00 p.m. We would love to have you.
Sh-lante'
Appendix
TRANSMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR
(02-S 2121) An Act relating to education - establishment of regional school districts.
(02-S 2124) An Act validating and ratifying amendments to the home rule charter of the town of Warren.
(02-S 2133) An Act validating and ratifying an amendment to the charter of the town of West Greenwich.
(02-S 2260) An Act relating to the Shelter Harbor Fire District.
(02-S 2650) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of Baseball Cards the charter of Rhode Island, Inc.
Appendix
CONSENT CALENDAR
In order for Wednesday, March 20, 2002:
1. (02-H7784) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Shadbush, Inc.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage.
2. (02-H7782) An Act relating to property tax relief in the town of Jamestown.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage.
LOUIS D'ANTUONO
Clerk of the House
Thursday, March 14, 2002
Appendix
CALENDAR
In order for Tuesday, March 19, 2002:
1. (02-H7187) House Resolution requesting the Department of Environmental Management to resolve issues arising from large commercial fishing vessels anchored in Narragansett Bay.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage.
Appendix
CALENDAR
In order for Wednesday, March 20, 2002:
1. (02-H6660 as amended) An Act relating to criminal offenses - weapons.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage as amended.
2. (02-H6662) An Act relating to the Department of Corrections.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
3. (02-H6769) An Act relating to criminal procedure - railroad, steamboat, and bridge police.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
4. (02-H6771) An Act relating to criminal offenses - false personation.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
5. (02-H6800) An Act relating to the National Guard.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
6. (02-H6857) An Act relating to criminal procedure - search warrants.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
7. (02-H6859) An Act relating to loss of rights by prisoners.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
8. (02-H7014) An Act relating to criminal procedure - grand juries.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
9. (02-H7023) Joint Resolution extending the reporting date of the special legislative commission to study an enhanced role for probation and parole.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
10. (02-H7119) An Act relating to divorce and separation - state disbursement unit for the collection and distribution of child support.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
11. (02-H7274) An Act relating to businesses and professions - telecommunications.
Committee on Corporations recommends passage.
12. (02-H6899) An Act relating to criminal procedures.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
13. (02-H6936) An Act relating to accident reports.
Joint Committee on Highway Safety recommends passage.
14. (02-H6808) An Act relating to health and safety - fireworks and pyrotechnics.
Joint Committee on Highway Safety recommends passage.
15. (02-H6645) An Act relating to motor vehicles - motorcycle licenses.
Joint Committee on Highway Safety recommends passage.
LOUIS D'ANTUONO
Clerk of the House
Thursday, March 14, 2002
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