State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Journal of the Senate
JANUARY SESSION of the General Assembly begun and held at the State House in the City of Providence on Tuesday, the seventh day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and three.
Volume130, No.19
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Nineteenth Day
Our Lord two thousand and three.
The Senate meets pursuant to adjournment and is called to order by the Honorable William V. Irons, President of the Senate, at 4:35 o'clock P.M.
The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 37 Senators present and 1 Senator absent as follows:
The Honorable President, by unanimous consent, presents Senator Raptakis, to deliver the invocation.
(See Appendix for Invocation)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Honorable President, by unanimous consent, presents Senator Raptakis, to lead the Senate in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF RECORD
The Senate Journal of Thursday, February 13, 2003 proceedings is read in part.
Upon suggestion of Senator Raptakis, and by unanimous consent, further reading of the Journal is dispensed with and the Journal approved as recorded.
GUESTS
Upon suggestion of Senator Gibbs, and by unanimous consent, the Honorable President welcomes to the Chamber Alexandra Zodhiates, Sarah Swett, Katy Long, Jennifer Keighley, Alexandra Rathmann-Noonan, Seth Bockley, Kathy Kushner and Charlene Kaeath.
CALENDAR
Upon suggestion of Senator McCaffrey, and without objection, items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 on today's Calendar, will be taken up in one vote.
1. (03-S20) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
3. (03-S127) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
4. (03-S172) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
5. (03-S175) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
6. (03-S247) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
7. (03-S253) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
8. (03-H5009) An Act relating to solemnization of marriages.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage in concurrence.
The acts are read and passed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 35 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
2. (03-S51) An Act relating to child support enforcement.
Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.
Senator McCaffrey moves passage, seconded by Senators Bates, Goodwin and Gallo.
The act is read and passed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 35 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
Senator Roberts, from the Committee on Health and Human Services, reports back, with recommendation that advice and consent be given to the following:
Reappointment of Jane Hayward of Narragansett as Director of the Department of Human Services.
Read and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.
TRANSFER OF BILLS
Senator Celona, in accordance with Senate Rule 6.14, moves to transfer the following bill from the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues:
(03-S 25) An Act relating to domestic insurance companies.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senator Roberts, in accordance with Senate Rule 6.14, moves to transfer the following bill from the Committee on Health and Human Services to the Committee on Judiciary:
(03-S 262) An Act relating to property - Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator McCaffrey, in accordance with Senate Rule 6.14, moves to transfer the following bill from the Committee on Judiciary to the Committee on Finance:
(03-S 338) An Act relating to personal income tax - tax credit to foster families.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
NEW BUSINESS
Senator Breene presents (03-S 688) An Act providing for the construction of additional classrooms, remodeling required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, construction of an administrative office building, and equipping and furnishing thereof, by the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District and authorizing the financing thereof, including the issue of not more than $1,600,000 bonds therefor.
Senator Breene requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.
Upon motion of Senator Breene, seconded by the entire Senate, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, upon a roll call vote with 36 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
Senator Alves presents (03-S 689) Senate Resolution expressing sincere sorrow to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic blaze of February 20, 2003 at The Station nightclub in West Warwick.
Senator Alves requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.
Upon motion of Senator Alves, seconded by the entire Senate, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, under suspension of the rules, upon a voice vote.
Senator Irons and others present (03-S 690) Joint Resolution creating a special legislative commission to study all aspects of law and regulation concerning pyrotechnic displays and fire safety.
Senate Majority Leader Montalbano requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.
Upon motion ofSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, seconded by the entire Senate, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, upon a roll call vote with 35 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
By unanimous consent, all matters on the Clerk's desk, with the exception of (03-S 690), are ordered to be transmitted to His Excellency, the Governor or to the Honorable House of Representatives forthwith.
RECESS
Upon suggestion of Senator Alves, and by unanimous consent, the Senate stands at Recess at 5:11 o'clock P.M., in memory of the victims of the West Warwick fire of February 20, 2003, until the call of the Chair.
CALLED TO ORDER
The Senate is called to order at 4:18 o'clock P.M., Thursday, February 27, 2003.
NEW BUSINESS
Senator Blais presents (by request of the Department of Children, Youth and Families) (03-S 691) An Act relating to Children, Youth and Families Department - confidentiality of records.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Paiva Weed, Tassoni, Revens, Algiere and McCaffrey present (03-S 692) An Act relating to domestic relations - child custody.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 693) An Act relating to indictments, informations and complaints.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and DaPonte present (03-S 694) An Act relating to applications for operator's and chauffeur's licenses.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators DaPonte, Polisena, Paiva Weed and Bates present (03-S 695) An Act relating to miscellaneous rules - seat belt use.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator McCaffrey presents (03-S 696) An Act relating to courts and civil procedure - judicial selection.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Connors and Fogarty present (03-S 697) An Act relating to taxation - levy and assessment of local taxes.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Bates, Paiva Weed and Parella present (03-S 698) An Act relating to elections - qualified electors.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Paiva Weed presents (by request) (03-S 699) An Act relating to corporation, association and partnership - RICO.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 700) An Act relating to elections - tabulation and certification of returns.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Cote and Bates present (by request) (03-S 701) An Act relating to courts and civil procedure - procedure generally - interest in civil actions.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Caprio and Goodwin present (03-S 702) An Act relating to probate practice and procedure - collection and management of decedents' estates.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and Connors present (03-S 703) An Act relating to criminal procedure - grand juries.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and Connors present (03-S 704) An Act relating to criminal procedure - arrest.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Roberts and Goodwin present (03-S 705) An Act relating to criminal procedure - expungement of criminal records.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 706) An Act relating to state affairs and government.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Perry, Roberts, Paiva Weed, Pichardo and Irons present (03-S 707) An Act relating to domestic relations - persons eligible to marry.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Gibbs presents (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 708) An Act relating to domestic relations - marriage licenses.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Damiani, Polisena and McBurney present (03-S 709) An Act relating to criminal offenses - sexual offender registration.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Paiva Weed, Felag, Connors, Perry and Lenihan present (03-S 710) An Act relating to public officers and employees - code of ethics.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Paiva Weed and Gibbs present (03-S 711) An Act relating to probate practice and procedure.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Roberts, Perry and Paiva Weed present (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 712) An Act relating to criminal offenses - weapons.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Roberts, Perry and Paiva Weed present (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 713) An Act relating to criminal offenses - weapons.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators DaPonte, Goodwin, Paiva Weed and Bates present (03-S 714) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles - responsibility of owners of rental vehicles.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators DaPonte, Connors, Ruggerio, Goodwin and Paiva Weed present (03-S 715) An Act relating to motor vehicles - drivers license notification of selective registration requirement.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, DaPonte and Roberts present (by request of the Secretary of State) (03-S 716) An Act relating to elections - voting by citizens residing outside the United States.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Revens presents (03-S 717) An Act relating to aeronautics.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Goodwin presents (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 718) An Act relating to state affairs and government - office of health care advocate.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Caprio and Goodwin present (03-S 719) An Act relating to health and safety - state building code.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Roberts and Goodwin present (03-S 720) An Act relating to criminal procedure.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Paiva Weed, Connors, Roberts, Perry and Ruggerio present (03-S 721) An Act relating to domestic relations - adoption of children.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Paiva Weed, Perry, McBurney, Goodwin and Irons present (03-S 722) An Act relating to adoption.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Goodwin presents (03-S 723) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Paiva Weed, Felag, Connors, Perry and Lenihan present (03-S 724) An Act relating to public officers and employees - code of ethics.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Perry, Roberts, Gibbs, Pichardo and Ciccone present (03-S 725) An Act relating to businesses and professions.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Roberts, Parella, Perry and Bates present (03-S 726) An Act relating to health and safety - birth-related neurological injury compensation program.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 727) An Act relating to medical malpractice.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 728) An Act relating to elections - ballot security and storage.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 729) An Act relating to elections - recounts.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 730) An Act relating to elections.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 731) An Act relating to elections - conduct of election and voting equipment, and supplies.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 732) An Act relating to elections - voting districts and officials.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 733) An Act relating to elections - voting districts and officials.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 734) An Act relating to elections - registration of voters.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 735) An Act relating to elections.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators McCaffrey, Ruggerio, McBurney and Revens present (03-S 736) An Act relating to businesses and professions - confidentiality of health care communications and information act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 737) An Act relating to elections - registration of voters.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Polisena and Damiani present (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 738) An Act relating to criminal offenses - murder.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Damiani, Polisena, McCaffrey, Irons and Connors present (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 739) An Act relating to criminal procedure - DNA detection of felony offenders.
Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Senators Bates, Blais, Felag, Paiva Weed and Sosnowski present (03-S 740) An Act relating to taxation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Irons, Bates, Sosnowski, Lenihan and Celona present (by request of the Governor) (03-S 741) An Act relating to state affairs and government - jobs development act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Caprio and Goodwin present (03-S 742) An Act relating to taxation - property subject to taxation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Raptakis presents (03-S 743) An Act to restore the office of technical assistance within the Department of Environmental Management.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Gallo, Paiva Weed, Sosnowski, Goodwin and Roberts present (03-S 744) Joint Resolution making an appropriation of $5,000,000 for the Department of Administration.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Felag presents (by request) (03-S 745) An Act relating to retirement of municipal employees.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Sosnowski and Breene present (03-S 746) An Act relating to taxation - sales and use taxes - liability and computation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Raptakis presents (03-S 747) An Act relating to property - revaluation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Gallo, Roberts and Lanzi present (03-S 748) An Act relating to cities and towns.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Issa presents (by request) (03-S 749) An Act relating to public officers and employees - insurance benefits.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Ruggerio and Goodwin present (03-S 750) An Act relating to property - recording of instruments.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Roberts, Cote and Bates present (03-S 751) An Act relating to taxation - worksite wellness.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Raptakis, Blais, Sosnowski and Caprio present (03-S 752) An Act relating to towns and cities - Rhode Island development impact fees.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Gallo, Roberts and Lanzi present (03-S 753) An Act relating to towns and cities - state aid.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Lenihan and Perry present (03-S 754) An Act relating to the family independence act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Gibbs, Paiva Weed, Perry, Lenihan and Sheehan present (03-S 755) An Act relating to education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 756) An Act relating to taxation - sales and use taxes - liability and computation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 757) An Act relating to elections - voting districts and officials.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Tassoni, Celona, Polisena and Damiani present (03-S 758) An Act relating to criminal procedure - criminal injuries compensation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Perry, Roberts, Parella, Gibbs and Fogarty present (03-S 759) An Act relating to affordable housing - establishing a fund to support nonprofit corporations who provide or develop affordable housing.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Perry, Cote, Roberts, Paiva Weed and Connors present (03-S 760) An Act relating to the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Goodwin presents (by request) (03-S 761) An Act relating to public property and works - owner controlled insurance program.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Roberts, Paiva Weed, Bates and Perry present (03-S 762) An Act relating to state affairs and government - the health insurance prudent purchasing act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Ciccone, Ruggerio, Badeau, Lanzi and Damiani present (03-S 763) An Act relating to veterans' affairs.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Gibbs and Blais present (by request of the Department of Environmental Management) (03-S 764) An Act relating to taxation - sales and use taxes - liability and computation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Cote, Gallo, Perry, Raptakis and Parella present (03-S 765) An Act relating to state affairs and government - video lottery terminal.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Revens presents (03-S 766) An Act relating to education - the public higher education academic excellence and student access endowment incentive program.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator McCaffrey presents (03-S 767) An Act relating to taxation - excise on motor vehicles and trailers.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Paiva Weed, Roberts, Goodwin, Ruggerio and Ciccone present (03-S 768) An Act relating to cities and towns - state aid.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Goodwin presents (by request) (03-S 769) An Act relating to taxation - cigarette tax.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 770) An Act relating to public finance - public corporation debt management.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Tassoni presents (03-S 771) An Act relating to medical assistance for working people with disabilities.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Goodwin presents (03-S 772) An Act relating to towns and cities - state aid.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Goodwin presents (by request) (03-S 773) An Act relating to taxation - levy and assessment of local taxes.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Roberts and Irons present (03-S 774) An Act relating to health and safety - determination of need for new health care equipment and new institutional health services.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Goodwin presents (03-S 775) An Act relating to taxation - urban mills restoration act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Paiva Weed and Goodwin present (03-S 776) An Act relating to taxation - sales and use taxes - liability and computation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Raptakis and Cote present (03-S 777) An Act relating to monuments and memorials.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Goodwin presents (03-S 778) An Act relating to taxation - levy and assessment of local taxes.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Blais presents (by request of the Department of Human Services) (03-S 779) An Act relating to human services - burials.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Paiva Weed, Pichardo, Connors, Lanzi and Roberts present (03-S 780) An Act relating to human services - health care for families.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators DaPonte, Connors, Ruggerio and Paiva Weed present (03-S 781) An Act relating to education - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 782) An Act relating to taxation - taxation of farm, forest and open space land.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Perry, Goodwin, Connors, Caprio and Pichardo present (03-S 783) An Act relating to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators DaPonte and Connors present (03-S 784) An Act relating to taxation - situs and ownership of taxable property.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Sheehan, Lenihan, Breene, Blais and Sosnowski present (03-S 785) An Act relating to education - foundation level school support.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Bates and Celona present (03-S 786) An Act relating to taxation of new real estate.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Felag presents (03-S 787) An Act relating to education - teachers' retirement.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Roberts, Cote and Gibbs present (03-S 788) An Act relating to taxation - worksite wellness.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Irons, Bates, Sosnowski, Lenihan and Celona present (by request of the Governor) (03-S 789) An Act relating to taxation - business corporation tax.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Roberts, Pichardo, Parella and Gibbs present (03-S 790) An Act relating to capital development - Rhode Island health centers and facilities program.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Paiva Weed, Felag, Sosnowski, Roberts and Perry present (03-S 791) An Act relating to waters and navigation - oil spill prevention, administration and response fund.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senator Breene presents (03-S 792) An Act relating to compensation for World War II forced labor.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Polisena, Goodwin, Ciccone, Damiani and Raptakis present (03-S 793) An Act relating to real estate taxation - educational profit-generating receipts.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Roberts, Perry, Paiva Weed and Pichardo present (03-S 794) An Act relating to taxation - business corporation tax.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators DaPonte, Connors, Caprio, Walaska and Paiva Weed present (03-S 795) An Act relating to taxation - tax incentives for capital investment in small businesses.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senators Perry, Goodwin, Caprio, Pichardo and Ciccone present (03-S 796) An Act relating to cities and towns - exempting from taxation property of the Providence, Rhode Island Young Men's Christian Association.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators DaPonte, Connors, Lanzi, Ruggerio and Goodwin present (03-S 797) An Act relating to food and drugs - sanitation in food establishments.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Tassoni, Polisena and Damiani present (03-S 798) An Act relating to insurance - nonprofit hospital service corporations.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 799) An Act relating to businesses and professions - architects.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 800) An Act relating to businesses and professions - engineers.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Goodwin presents (03-S 801) An Act relating to businesses and professions - shows and exhibitions.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 802) An Act relating to businesses and professions - home inspectors.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 803) An Act relating to businesses and professions - roofing contractors.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 804) An Act relating to businesses and professions - contractors' registration.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Raptakis, Sheehan, Polisena, Damiani and Parella present (03-S 805) An Act relating to minimum reimbursement for professional services.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 806) An Act relating to public utilities - underground utility facilities.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 807) An Act relating to public utilities and carriers - regulatory powers of administration.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators McCaffrey, Walaska and Goodwin present (03-S 808) An Act relating to health and safety.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator DaPonte presents (03-S 809) An Act relating to the Tockwotton Home, originally incorporated as home for aged women.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Blais and Roberts present (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 810) An Act relating to businesses and professions - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Sheehan, Perry, Parella, Raptakis and Lenihan present (03-S 811) An Act relating to insurance - rate increases.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Perry, Ciccone, Roberts, Paiva Weed and Goodwin present (03-S 812) An Act relating to human services - health care for families.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Connors, Fogarty, Paiva Weed, DaPonte and Badeau present (03-S 813) An Act relating to insurance - small employer health insurance availability act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Perry, Ciccone, Roberts, Pichardo and Bates present (03-S 814) An Act relating to public officers and employees - insurance benefits.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Celona presents (03-S 815) An Act relating to public utilities and carriers - regulatory powers of administration.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Lanzi, Ruggerio, Ciccone and Tassoni present (03-S 816) An Act relating to insurance - extended medical benefits.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Lanzi, Ruggerio, Ciccone and Tassoni present (03-S 817) An Act relating to insurance - accident and sickness insurance policies.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators DaPonte and Connors present (03-S 818) An Act relating to towns and cities - town of Narragansett - landing fee.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Walaska and McCaffrey present (03-S 819) An Act relating to health and safety - health care accessibility and quality assurance act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Walaska presents (03-S 820) An Act relating to public utilities and carriers - public utilities commission.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Gibbs presents (03-S 821) An Act relating to taxation - property subject to taxation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Gibbs presents (03-S 822) An Act relating to cities and towns - exempting from taxation property of the Newport, Rhode Island Young Men's Christian Association.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Ruggerio, DaPonte, McCaffrey, Goodwin and Badeau present (03-S 823) An Act relating to public utilities and carriers.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Issa presents (by request) (03-S 824) An Act relating to businesses and professions - athlete agents.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Tassoni, Cote and Fogarty present (03-S 825) An Act validating and ratifying an amendment to the charter of the town of North Smithfield.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Algiere presents (03-S 826) An Act relating to cities and towns - exempting from taxation property of the Westerly, Rhode Island Young Men's Christian Association.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Polisena, Roberts, Lanzi, Damiani and DaPonte present (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 827) An Act relating to businesses and professions - nurses.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Roberts and Sosnowski present (03-S 828) An Act relating to insurance.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Blais presents (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 829) An Act relating to businesses and professions - physical therapists.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Roberts and Blais present (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 830) An Act relating to businesses and professions - Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Roberts, Sheehan, Perry and Tassoni present (03-S 831) An Act relating to insurance - nonprofit hospital corporations.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Roberts presents (by request) (03-S 832) An Act relating to insurance.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 833) An Act relating to fair pricing of milk.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators DaPonte and Ruggerio present (03-S 834) An Act relating to insurance - small employer health insurance.
Read and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.
Senators Blais, Cote, Fogarty and Breene present (03-S 835) Joint Resolution memorializing the United States Congress to expand the public utilities division's authority to regulate expanded channel rates for cable TV companies.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and DaPonte present (03-S 836) An Act relating to property.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and Connors present (03-S 837) An Act relating to state affairs and government - Department of Business Regulation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Connors, DaPonte and Goodwin present (03-S 838) An Act relating to insurance.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and DaPonte present (03-S 839) Senate Resolution memorializing Congress regarding federal pre-emption of predatory lending legislation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Walaska and Bates present (03-S 840) An Act relating to insurance - fire insurance policies and reserves.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Sosnowski, Irons, Sheehan and Breene present (03-S 841) An Act relating to fiduciaries - uniform management of institutional funds.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senators Blais and Breene present (03-S 842) An Act relating to state affairs - the electronic government services act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senator Gallo presents (by request) (03-S 843) An Act relating to public utilities and carriers.
Read and referred to the Committee on Financial Services, Technology and Regulatory Issues.
Senator Blais presents (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 844) An Act relating to public records - access to public records.
Read and referred to the Committee on Government Oversight.
Senator Paiva Weed presents (03-S 845) An Act relating to state affairs and government - open meetings.
Read and referred to the Committee on Government Oversight.
Senator Paiva Weed presents (03-S 846) An Act relating to open meetings.
Read and referred to the Committee on Government Oversight.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 847) An Act relating to state affairs and government.
Read and referred to the Committee on Government Oversight.
Senators Lenihan, Paiva Weed, Cote, Raptakis and Parella present (03-S 848) An Act relating to state affairs and government - quasi-public corporations.
Read and referred to the Committee on Government Oversight.
Senators Sosnowski and Paiva Weed present (03-S 849) An Act relating to the Department of Environmental Management.
Read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Senators Sosnowski, Paiva Weed and Breene present (03-S 850) An Act relating to state affairs and government - Department of Environmental Management.
Read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Senators Gibbs, Roberts, Breene, Tassoni and Lenihan present (03-S 851) Senate Resolution mercury safe school program.
Read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Senator Damiani presents (03-S 852) An Act relating to waters and navigation - regulation of boats.
Read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Senators Gibbs, Parella, Roberts, Tassoni and Lenihan present (03-S 853) An Act relating to health and safety - mercury-free vehicle act of 2003.
Read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Senators Gibbs, Parella, Roberts, Tassoni and Lenihan present (03-S 854) An Act relating to health and safety - Rhode Island cesspool phase out act of 2003.
Read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 855) An Act relating to wages - frequency of payment.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 856) An Act relating to labor and labor relations - minimum wages - overtime pay.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senator Badeau presents (03-S 857) An Act relating to insurance - workers' compensation insurance fund.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senator Breene presents (by request of the Department of Labor and Training) (03-S 858) An Act relating to industrial legislation.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senator Breene presents (by request of the Department of Labor and Training) (03-S 859) An Act relating to employment and security - general provisions.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senators Perry, Gibbs, Lenihan, Roberts and Parella present (03-S 860) An Act relating to labor and labor relations - temporary disability insurance - benefits.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and Badeau present (03-S 861) An Act relating to labor and labor relations - transportation of workers.
Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.
Senators Parella, Perry, Gibbs, Pichardo and Algiere present (03-S 862) An Act relating to education - adult education commission.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senators Pichardo, Perry, Ciccone, Caprio and Connors present (03-S 863) An Act relating to education - health education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senators Irons, Bates, Sosnowski, Lenihan and Celona present (by request of the Governor) (03-S 864) An Act relating to education - Board of Governors for Higher Education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senator Gallo presents (by request of the Governor) (03-S 865) An Act relating to education - establishment of charter public schools.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senator Gallo presents (by request) (03-S 866) An Act relating to education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senators Tassoni, Celona, Polisena and Damiani present (03-S 867) An Act relating to education - private schools.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senator Raptakis presents (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 868) An Act relating to education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senators Polisena and Damiani present (by request of the Attorney General) (03-S 869) An Act relating to education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senators Gallo and Fogarty present (03-S 870) An Act relating to education - civic education commission.
Read and referred to the Committee on Education.
Senators Walaska, Celona, McCaffrey and Goodwin present (03-S 871) An Act relating to health and safety - Rhode Island Right to Life.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Parella, Roberts, Perry, Paiva Weed and Gibbs present (03-S 872) An Act relating to human services - encouraging volunteer efforts of physicians and dentists - at free health clinics.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Tassoni, Perry, Bates and Roberts present (03-S 873) An Act relating to health and safety - spousal notification for abortion.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Gibbs, Roberts, Parella, Perry and Breene present (by request of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Elderly Affairs) (03-S 874) An Act relating to state affairs and government - home and community services to the elderly.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Paiva Weed, Gibbs and Roberts present (by request of the Lieutenant Governor) (03-S 875) Joint Resolution memorializing Congress to eliminate home care reimbursement reductions.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Roberts, Paiva Weed and Gibbs present (by request of the Lieutenant Governor) (03-S 876) An Act relating to long-term care - ombudsperson.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Paiva Weed, Perry, Goodwin, Pichardo and Roberts present (03-S 877) An Act relating to health and safety - prescription drug costs containment.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Walaska, Celona and McCaffrey present (03-S 878) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles - registration of vehicles.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senators Lanzi, Ruggerio, Ciccone, Connors and Tassoni present (03-S 879) An Act relating to health and safety - safety and health programs for fire departments.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Paiva Weed, Gibbs and Roberts present (by request of the Lieutenant Governor) (03-S 880) Joint Resolution memorializing Congress to take action to stabilize the medicare program.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senator Roberts presents (by request) (03-S 881) An Act relating to health and safety - the prevention of violence in health care facilities act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Perry, Ciccone, Roberts, Paiva Weed and Goodwin present (03-S 882) An Act relating to health and education.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Perry, Ciccone, Roberts, Paiva Weed and Goodwin present (by request of the Department of Children, Youth and Families) (03-S 883) An Act relating to abused and neglected children.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Roberts and Blais present (by request of the Department of Health) (03-S 884) An Act relating to health and safety - laboratories.
Read and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Senators Sosnowski, Breene, Paiva Weed and Fogarty present (03-S 885) An Act relating to registration of motor vehicles.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 886) Joint Resolution to approve and publish and submit to the electors a proposition of amendment to the Constitution of the State (electing a Governor and Lieutenant Governor on the same ballot at the same time).
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senator McCaffrey presents (03-S 887) An Act relating to alcoholic beverages - retail licenses.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senators Bates, Felag, Paiva Weed, Sheehan and Sosnowski present (03-S 888) An Act relating to alcoholic beverages.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senators Lenihan and Cote present (03-S 889) Joint Resolution stating findings of the Rhode Island General Assembly; rescinding, repealing, canceling, voiding and superseding any and all extant applications by the General Assembly of the state of Rhode Island heretofore made during any session thereof to the Congress of the United States of America to call a convention pursuant to the terms of Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing one or more amendments to that constitution; urging the general assemblies and legislatures of other states to do the same; directing that copies of this resolution be sent to specified persons.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senator Blais presents (03-S 890) An Act relating to interstate shipping registration act.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senator Irons presents (03-S 891) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles - courtesy plates.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senators Perry, Paiva Weed, Damiani, Roberts and Sosnowski present (03-S 892) An Act relating to animals and animal husbandry - dogs.
Read and referred to the Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Senators Gallo, Fogarty and Walaska present (03-S 893) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles - operators' and chauffeurs' licenses.
Read and referred to the Joint Committee on Highway Safety.
Senators Lenihan and Sheehan present (03-S 894) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles - operators' and chauffeurs' licenses.
Read and referred to the Joint Committee on Highway Safety.
Senators Ciccone, Lanzi, Perry, Pichardo and Connors present (03-S 895) An Act authorizing suit against the state by Michael Viccione to satisfy any judgment entered.
Read and referred to the Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims.
Senators Irons, Bates, Sosnowski, Lenihan and Celona present (03-S 896) An Act relating to corporations, associations and partnerships - business corporations.
Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.
RECONSIDERATION
Upon suggestion ofSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, and without objection, (03-S 690) Joint Resolution creating a special legislative commission to study all aspects of law and regulation concerning pyrotechnic displays and fire safety, is reconsidered by the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Montalbano moves passage, seconded by Senators Alves, Paiva Weed, Perry, Celona, Goodwin, Roberts, Tassoni, Felag, Sosnowski, Algiere, Blais, Badeau, and many others.
Senate Majority Leader Montalbano, seconded by Senator Alves and many others, offers the following written motion to amend:
FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO
(03-S 690)
Mr. President:
I hereby move to amend (03-S 690) entitled "JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY ALL ASPECTS OF LAW AND REGULATION CONCERNING PYROTECHNIC DISPLAYS AND FIRE SAFETY", as follows:
(1) On page 1, delete all the language on lines 1 through 19.
(2) On page 2, delete all the language on lines 1 through 10 and substitute the following language in place thereof:
"RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of seventeen (17) members who shall be appointed as follows: four (4) members shall be from the House, of whom the Speaker shall appoint three (3) members and designate one (1) member as co-chair, the House Minority Leader shall appoint the remaining member of the House; four (4) members shall be from the Senate of whom the President shall appoint three (3) members and designate one (1) member as co-chair, the Senate Minority Leader shall appoint the remaining member of the Senate; the Governor shall appoint two (2) public members; one (1) member shall be the State Fire Marshal or designee; one (1) member shall be from the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs; one (1) member shall be the Director of the Department of Health or designee; one (1) member shall be the Director of the Emergency Management Agency or designee; one (1) member shall be the executive director of the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review or designee; one (1) member shall be the president of the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters union or designee; and one (1) member shall be the Lieutenant Governor or designee.
The purpose of said commission shall be to study all aspects of law and regulation relating, but not limited to, pyrotechnic displays, sprinklers and other fire protective devices, nightclub exit and evacuation plans, response efforts, crowd size and all other safety issues including crowd control and crowd management, the adequacy of enforcement and penalties for noncompliance, clarification of existing lines of authority to assert jurisdiction in particular cases, and to recommend changes to applicable law, licensing, and regulation. Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, members of the commission shall meet at the call of the Speaker and President. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.
The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agent as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purpose of this resolution. The Speaker of the House is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for said commission; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before May 1, 2003 and said commission shall expire on December 31, 2003.
"
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. MONTALBANO
Senator, District 17
The motion to amend prevails upon a roll call vote with 36 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
Upon motion ofSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, seconded by Senator Alves and the entire Senate, read and passed, as amended, upon a roll call vote with 36 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
By unanimous consent, all matters on the Clerk's desk are ordered to be transmitted to His Excellency, the Governor or to the Honorable House of Representatives forthwith.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion ofSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, seconded by Senator Algiere, the Senate adjourns at 4:22 o'clock P.M.
RAYMOND T. HOYAS, JR.
Secretary of the Senate
Appendix
INVOCATION
SENATOR LEONIDAS P. RAPTAKIS
Heavenly Father, may we undertake our tasks in the spirit of selfless service and unrestrained devotion. May something of Your gentle ways and sensitivity be implanted in us and expressed in all our actions. Amen.
Appendix
REMARKS ON THE TRAGEDY
IN WEST WARWICK
SENATOR STEPHEN D. ALVES
SENATE CHAMBERS
FEBRUARY 26, 2003
On behalf of all the people of West Warwick I would like to thank the Governor and all the general officers of this state for the compassion and help they have given to my community. A special thank you to Senate President Williams Irons who throughout this past week has represented me.
My colleagues know these are very difficult times for all Rhode Islanders. There are no words to describe the pain that we as a community, state and a nation are experiencing. West Warwick is a strong and tight knit community, the true strength of our character is being tested, but with your thoughts and prayers we will overcome this tragic event.
The victims knowing that this world is filled with many good things, like all of us, loved the life into which they were born. The knowledge that life is short did not lessen their involvement in the work that God entrusted to them, their worldly interests, their noble ideals, and more than anything the people they loved.
God is pleased with this and our faith teaches us that He wants what is good for us. He loves us enough to bless our lives with many good things; both joys and sorrows. Because He loves us so completely, He desires for us to be with Him in heaven. Even though we are made by Him for heaven, this chance at earthly happiness makes it hard to accept our own death and worse to accept the death of someone we love.
We must always remember that this life is a journey towards our encounter with God. Our greatest consolation today is the knowledge that death is not an end but a beginning.
It is good to remember the promise from scripture; "eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, that it has not entered into our minds that God has prepared for us in heaven". This is the mystery of our faith.
It is the promise of eternal life that helps us to say goodbye, knowing that the same promise is made to each of us. We can take great comfort in knowing that we will someday be reunited with those we have loved in this life.
Our sense of loss is deep and brings with us a sadness that only a strong and abiding faith can sustain. All of us cannot help but experience the pain and sorrow that separation brings with death.
We are challenged by death but strengthened by faith and that strength allows us to mourn the loss of these good people but also realize the joy that accompanies their death - the incomparable joy of a child returning to his Father for their eternal rest. The church prays in the preface of the mass for the dead, "Lord, for your faithful people life is changed not ended."
Thus, fully cognizant of the life that awaits us at the moment of our death, we say goodbye to all the victims and offer our prayers for their souls as they enter into their encounter with God.
We offer our deepest sympathy to each and every family member and friend of the victims of this tragic fire. We offer our deepest gratitude to the rescue, fire, and police departments as well as the staffs at the many hospitals who through their heroic efforts and professionalism have helped us through this enormous crisis.
Appendix
CALENDAR
In order for Thursday, February 27, 2003:
1. (03-S41) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to the General Assembly.
Committee on Government Oversight recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".
Appendix
CALENDAR
In order for Tuesday, March 4, 2003:
1. Reappointment of Jane Hayward of Narragansett as Director of the Department of Human Services.
Committee on Health and Human Services recommends that the Senate give its Advice and Consent to this appointment.
RAYMOND T. HOYAS, JR.
Secretary of the Senate
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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