SENATE JOURNALS 05-05-1999

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 fifth day of January in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine.

Volume 126, No. 48 Wednesday, May 5, 1999 Forty-eighth Day

The Senate meets pursuant to adjournment and is called to order by His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, Charles J. Fogarty, at 4:24 o'clock P.M.

The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 49 Senators present and 1 Senator absent as follows:

PRESENT - 49: Senators Algiere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani. DaPonte, Doneian, Enos, Felag, Flynn, Fogarty, Cello. Gibbs, Goodwin. Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McBurney, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry Raptakis. Revens, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sos-' nowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

ABSENT - 1: Senator Lenihan.

INVOCATION

His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, by unanimous consent, presents Senator Celona, to deliver the invocation.

(See Appendix for Invocation)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, by unanimous consent, presents Senator Celona, to lead the Senate in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

APPROVAL OF RECORD

The Senate Journal of Tuesday, May 4, 1999 proceedings is read in part.

Upon suggestion of Senator Kelly and by unanimous consent, further reading of the Journal is dispensed with and the Journal approved as recorded.

GUESTS

Upon suggestion of Senators Coderre, Montalbano and Graziano, and by unanimous consent, His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, welcomes to the Chamber Nyisha Conry, 1999 Youth of the Year for the State of Rhode Island by Boys Girls Clubs of America and Greg Pappas, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club of America.

CONGRATULATIONS

Senator Coderre extends congratulations and best wishes to his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Cindy Coderre, on the very special occasion of the birth of their twin sons, Jack Waterman Coderre and David Gerard Coderre, who were born on April 15, 1999. The entire Senate joins in extending best wishes to the Coderre family.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEE TRANSFER OF BILL

Senator Irons, from the Committee on Corporations, in accordance with Senate Rule 6.14, moves to transfer the following bill from the Committee on Corporations to the Committee on Special Legislation:

(99-S976) An Act relating to alcoholic beverages - retail licenses.

Read and referred to the Committee on Special Legislation.

COMMITTEE ON CORPORATIONS

Senator Irons, from the Committee on Corporations, reports back with recommendation of passage of the following measures:

(99-S 460) (Substitute "A" as amended) An Act relating to insurance.

Read and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(99-S 567) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to insurance.

Read and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(99-S 988) An Act confirming the approval of Chapter 6 of the Public Laws of 1998 entitled "An Act authorizing the town of Burrillville to finance the construction, equipping and furnishing of an addition to and remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the High School and to issue not more than $12,500,000 bonds therefor" by the town of Burrillville.

Read and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

(99-S989) An Act relating to the town of Warren.

Read and ordered to be placed on the Calendar.

FROM THE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

A message from the House of Representatives transmits with announcement of passage:

(99-H 5452) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to valuation of farm, forest and open space land.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Also:

(99-H 5618) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to businesses and professions.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Also:

(99-H 5623) (Substitute "A" as amended) An Act relating to businesses and professions -opticians.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Also:

(99-H 6040) An Act relating to businesses and professions- automobile body repair shops.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Also:

(99-H 6448) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Bucky's Auto Sales, Inc.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Also:

(99-H 6449) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Santurri Realty, Inc. Read and referred to the Committee on

Also: Corporations.

Also:

(99-H 5780) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

Read and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Also:

(99-H 5294) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to businesses and professions.

Read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

Also:

(99-H 5362) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to health and safety - tattooing.

Read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

Also:

(99-H 5547) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to Independent Living Services and Center.

Read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

Also:

(99-H 5761 as amended) An Act relating to health and safety Department of Health.

Read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

Also:

(99-H 5812) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to health and safety - residential care facility licensing act.

Read and referred to the Committee on. Health, Education and Welfare.

(99-H 5815) (Substitute "A" as amended) An Act relating to health care accessibility - assurance.

Read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

Also:

(99-H 5364 as amended) An Act relating to labor and labor relations - the Rhode Island whistleblowers act.

Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Also:

(99-H 5879) An Act relating to criminal offenses sexually violent predators.

Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Also:

(99-H 5955) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to cemeteries.

Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Also:

(99-H 5982) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to statutes and statutory construction.

Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Also:

(99-H 5270) (Substitute A as amended) An Act relating to labor and labor relations parental and family medical leave.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5322) (Substitute A as amended) An Act relating to minimum wages.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5742) An Act relating to employment security waiting period.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5778) An Act relating to labor and labor relations - apprenticeship programs in trade and industry.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5781) An Act relating to labor and labor relations - employment security.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5810) An Act relating to employment security.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5842) (Substitute A) An Act relating to employment security - general provisions.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 6071) (Substitute A as amended) An Act relating to health and safety - state building code.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 6140) An Act relating to businesses and professions electricians.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 6141) An Act relating to businesses and professions electricians.

Read and referred to the Committee on Labor.

Also:

(99-H 5084 as amended) An Act relating to financial assistance- registration for the draft.

Read and referred to the Committee on Special Legislation.

Also:

(99-H 5437 as amended) An Act relating to alcoholic beverages.

Read and referred to the Committee on Special Legislation.

NEW BUSINESS

The following item s are received and referred to committee pending any objection of the body on the next legislative day.

Senators Roberts, Izzo, Gallo and Igliozzi present (99-S 1001) An Act relating to municipal courts - city of Cranston.

Read and referred to the Committee on Corporations.

Senators Celona, Graziano and Montalbano present (99-S 1002) Senate Resolution congratulating Charles Shadoian on his retirement as Principal of Centredale School in North Providence.

Senator Celona requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.

Upon motion of Senator Celona, seconded by the entire Senate, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, under suspension of the rules, upon a voice vote.

Senators Walton, Issa, Badeau, Cicilline, Roberts and others present (99-S 1003) Joint Resolution memorializing the President of the United States and the Congress of the United States to ratify the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child.

Senator Walton requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.

Upon motion of Senator Walton, seconded by the entire Senate, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, under suspension of the rules, upon a voice vote.

Senators Cicilline, Cote, Celona, Montalbano and Graziano present (99-S 1004) Senate Resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Edward P. Nolan, Ph.D.

Senator Cicilline requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.

Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.

Upon motion of Senator Cicilline, seconded by the entire Senate, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, under suspension of the rules, upon a rising vote.

Without objection, the following Act is introduced after the deadline.

Senators Roberts, Kelly, Paiva Weed, Enos and Izzo present (99-S 1005) An Act relating to insurance nonprofit hospital service corporations and nonprofit medical service corporations.

Read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

CALENDAR

In order for the day is taken up as follows:

3. (99-S694) (Substitute cc A") An Act relating to the uniform oil response and prevention fee.

Committee on Judiciary recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute cc A''

Upon suggestion of Senator Enos, and without objection, ordered to be placed on the desk.

24. (99-S 140) (Substitute cc An Act relating to financial institutions - powers and operations.

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

Upon suggestion of Senator Enos, and without objection, ordered to be placed on the Calendar for Wednesday, May 12, 1999.

36. (99-S432 as amended) An Act relating to towns and cities- police officers.

Committee on Finance recommends passage as amended.

Senator Damiani moves passage, seconded by Senators Perry, Kells, Fogarty, Connors, Coderre, Tocco, Gallo, Cicilline and others.

The act is read and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 47 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 47; Senators Algiere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Flynn, Fogarly, Gallo, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaftrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry. RaptaKis, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, SosnowsKi, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

1. (99-S894) An Act relating to mandated benefits review act.

Committee on Corporations recommends passage.

Senator Blais moves passage, seconded by Senator Breene.

Senator Blais, seconded by Senator Breene, offers the following written motion to amend:

FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO
(99-S894)

Mr. President:

I hereby move to amend (99-S 894) entitled "AN ACT RELATING TO MANDATED BENEFITS REVIEW ACT", as follows:

(1) By striking all the language after the enactment clause, and substituting therefor the following language:

SECTION 1. Title 27 of the General Laws entitled is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 27-68

MANDATED BENEFITS REVIEW

27-68-1. TITLE. - This act may be cited as the Mandated Benefits Review Act.

27-68-2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. -The purpose of this act is to provide for independent review of mandated benefits. This act requires that all mandated health benefits, proposals or an amendment to a proposal for mandated benefits, mandated health insurance coverage, and mandated offerings of health benefits be accompanied by independently certified documentation with regard to the proposals' social impact, medical efficacy, and financial impact.

27-68-3. MANDATED HEALTH BENEFITS REVIEW PANEL.

(A) Documentation. Propoals or an amendment to a proposal for mandated health benefits or mandated health insurance coverage shall be accompanies by adequate independently certified documentation defining the proposals' social impact, medical efficacy, and financial impact. Mandated benefits shall include:

(1) any mandated coverage for specific services, treatments or practices;

(2) any mandated direct reimbursement to specific health care practitioners;

(3) any mandated offering for specific services, treatments or practices; and

(4) any mandated reimbursement amount to specific health care practitioners.

(B) Report. Every person or organization that promoted or seeks sponsorship of a legislative proposal or an amendment to a proposal that does or would mandate a health coverage offering of a health coverage by an insurance carrier, health care service contractor, or health maintenance organization as a component of individual or group policies shall submit a report to the legislative committee having jursidiction. The committee shall refer the proposal or any amendment to a proposal for review to the mandated review panel created by this act.

(C) Panel. The panel shall consist of three (3) senior researchers, two (2) being experts in health research or biostatistics chosen from colleges or univerisities within the state and the third a senior research associate, each appointed by the governor.

(D) Panel's Report. The panel will review the documentation submitted with the pro-posed legislation and will issue a report within thirty (30) days to:

(1) whether the information is complete;

(2) whether the research cited meets professional standards;

(3) whether all relevant research has been brought to light;

(4) whether the conclusions and interpretations drawn from the evidence are consistent with the data presented. If the panel reaches a favorable conclusion on all points, the documentation will be certified accordingly. If the panel finds the documentation deficient, the panel will identify the deficiencies. The panel shall judge the completeness of the information provided and the validity of the conclusions drawn, based on the facts presented, but shall not comment upon the merits or desirability of the proposal.

(E) Guidlines. The panel will apply the following guidelines in determining the adequacy of the information presented:

(1) the panel should consider evidence of social impact, i.e., to what extent is the treatment or service:

(a) ne eded by the people of this 5tate;

(b) available to the people of this state; and

(c) utilized by the population of this state.

(2) if insurance coverage is not generally in place, the panel should determine to what extent the lack of coverage results in adequate health care and/or major financial hardship.

(3) the panel should determine the demand for the proposed health care coverage from the public at large and in collective bargaining negotiations.

(4) the panel should determine if all relevant findings bearing on social impact have been presented.

(0) the panel should consider evidence of medical efficacy;

(a) if the legislation seeks tyo mandate coverage of a particular therapy;

(i) the results of at least one professionally acceptable, controlled trial demonstrating the medical consequences of that therapy compared to no therapy and to alternative therapies;

(ii) the results of any other relevant research.

(b) if the legislation seeks to mandate coverage of an additional class of practitioners:

(i) the results of at least one professional acceptable, controlled trial demonstrating the medical results achieved by the additional class of practitioners relative to those already covered;

(ii) the results of any relevant research.

(6) the panel should review evidence of financial impact:

(a) the extent to which the coverage will increase or decrease the cost of treatment or service.

(b) the extent to which similar mandates have affected charges, costs, and payments experienced in other state with such mandates;

(c) the extent to which the coverage will increase the appropriate use of treatment of service;

(d) the extent to which the mandate treatment or service will be a substitute for more exprensive or less expensive treatment or service;

(e) the extent to which the coverage will increase or decrease the administrative expenses of insurance companies in the premium and administrative expenses of policyholders;

(f) the extent to which existing mandates meet the requirements of this act;

(gg) the financial impact of this coverage on small employers, medium-sized employ ers and large employers;

(h) the impact ofthe coverage on the total cost of health care.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1,2000.

Respectfully submitted

LEOR.BLAIS
Senator, District 21

Senators Ruggerio, Blais, Roberts, Alves, Raptakis, Badeau, Graziano, Walsh and Enos discuss the amendment.

The motion to amend fails of passage upon a roll call vote with 11 Senators voting in the affirmative and 35 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 11: Senators Ale, Bates, Blais, Breene, Cote, Fogarty, Gibbs, Irons, Parella, Patterson, Walaska.

NAYS 35: Senators Alves, Badeau, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Cello, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCarthy, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Palva Weed, perty, Raptakis, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walsh, Walton.

Senators Cote, Izzo and Blais discuss the act.

Upon suggestion of Senator Blais, and without objection, ordered to be placed at the bottom of the Calendar.

2. (99-S280) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to licensing of health care facilities.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

Senator Izzo moves passage, seconded by Senators Graziano, Tocco, Sasso, Parella, Walton, Gallo, Felag and others.

Senators Graziano, Walsh, Izzo andAlves discuss the act.

Senator Izzo, seconded by Senator Roberts, offers the following written motion to amend:

FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO

(99-S 280) (Substitute cc

Mr. President:

I hereby move to amend (99-S 280) (Substitute "A") entitled "AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES", as follows:

On page 5, line 11, delete "hospitals," and the cc,, following the word ccfacilities

Respectfully submitted,

THOMAS J. IZZO
Senator, District 13

The motion to amend prevails upon a roll call vote with 45 Senators voting in the afflrmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 45; Senators Algiere, Alves, Badenu, Bates, Elsie, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Callo, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, [sea, Izzo, Kells Kelly, McCailrej, MoDoneld, l'lontalbano, Oster, PalYaWeed, Darella Raptakis, Revens, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio,(Sasso Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

Upon motion of Senator Izzo, seconded by cc Senator Roberts, the bill marked Substitute A is read and passed, as amended, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 45 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 45: Senators Alfflere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Gallo, Gibbs. Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Revens, Roberts, Roney. Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaslla, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

4. (99-S882) An Act relating to courts and civil procedure.

Committee on Judiciary recommends passage.

Senator Paiva Weed moves passage, seconded by Senators Goodwin, GrazianD, Tocco, Roney and others.

Senators Patterson and Paiva Weed discuss the act.

The act is read and passed, upon a roll call vote with 39 Senators voting in the affirmative and 2 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 39: Senators Algiere, Badeau, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Cicilline, Coderre. Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Perry, Raptakis, Revens, Roney, Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS - 2: Senators Patterson, Sasso.

5. (99-S192) (Substitute A An Act relating to merit system.

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

Senator Ruggerio moves passage, seconded by Senators Goodwin, Badeau, DaPonte, Damiani, Tocco, Cicilline, McDonald and others.

Senators Blais, Ruggerio and Gibbs discuss the act.

The bill marked Substitute "A" is read and passed, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 43 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 43: Senators Alfflere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Darniani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Felag. Fogarly, Cello, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Otter, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, RaptaKis, Revens, Roney, Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Tocco. Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

6. (99-S244 as amended) An Act relating to labor and labor relations parental and family medical leave.

Committee on Labor recommends passage as amended.

Senator Izzo moves passage, seconded by Senators Celona, Ruggerio, Tocco, Gallo, DaPonte and others.

Senators Sasso and Izzo discuss the act.

The act is read and passed, as amended, upon a roll call vote with 46 Senators voting in the affirmative and 1 Senator voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 46: Senators Algiere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Grariano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaflrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis. Revens, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS - 1: Senator Sasso.

7. (99-S799) (Substitute A as amended) An Act relating to employment of women and children.

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

Senator Parella moves passage, seconded by Senators Sosnowski, Ruggerio, Kells, Felag, Damiani and others.

The bill marked Substitute cc read and passed, as amended, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 42 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 42: Senators Algiere, Badeau, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cote, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, GalJo, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliorzi, Irons, Issa, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Paiva Weed, Parella. Patterson, Perry, Raptakis, Revens, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

8. (99-S 801) (Substitute cc An Act relating to minimum wage.

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

Senator Walton moves passage, seconded by Senators Badeau, Kelly, Coderre, Felag, Fogarty, Irons, Oster, Celona, Tocco, Issa, Roberts, Roney and many others.

Senators Ruggerio, Sasso, Walton, Irons, Raptakis, Walsh, Badeau, Graziano, Cicilline and Montalbano discuss the act.

The bill marked Substitute cc read and passed, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 47 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 47: Senators Algiere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, Doneian, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCatfrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis, Revens, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaslla, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

9. (99-S802) An Act relating to insurance -workers compensation- group self insurance.

Committee on Labor recommends passage.

Senator Blais moves passage, seconded by Senators Badeau, Ruggerio and Gallo.

The act is read and passed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 44 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 44: Senators Algiere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole. Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello. Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kelly. I'lcCaffrey, McDonald, l'lontalbano, flster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Raptakis, Revens, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -O.

10. (99-S499) An Act relating to motor and other vehicles- registration of vehicles.

Committee on Special Legislation recommends passage.

Senator Tocco moves passage, seconded by Senators Graziano, Goodwin, Celona, Damiani and others.

The act is read and passed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 41 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 41: Senators Algiere, Alves, Badeau, Bates, Breene, Canrio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, l'lontalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Raptakis, Revens, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco. Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -0.

11. (99-S911) An Act relating to registration of vehicles.

Committee on Special Legislation recommends passage.

Senator Enos moves passage, seconded by Senators Coderre, Goodwin, Ruggerio, Connors and others.

Senator Blais discusses the act.

The act is read and passed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 40 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 40: Senators Algiere, Badeau, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, Doneian, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Monlalbano, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walsh.

NAYS -0.

12. (99-S471) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to state affairs and government - independent living services and centers.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

Senator Cicilline moves passage, seconded by Senator Kelly.

The bill marked Substitute A is read and passed, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 39 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 39: Senators Algiere, Alves, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Darniani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Walaska, Walsh.

NAYS -0.

13. (99-S509 as amended) An Act relating to licensing of health care facilities.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends passage as amended.

Senator Connors moves passage, seconded by Senators Coderre, Goodwin, Damiani, Izzo and others.

Senators Alves and Connors discuss the act.

The act is read and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 39 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 39: Senators Ale. Alves, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damieni, DaPonte, DoneIan. Enos, Felag. Fogarty, GalJo, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izxo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocoo, Walaska, Walsh.

NAYS -0.

14. (99-S571) An Act relating to businesses and professions- nursing home administrators.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends passage.

Senator Gibbs moves passage, seconded by Senators Parella, Izzo, Blais and Breene.

Senators Graziano and Gibbs discuss the act.

The act is read and passed, upon a roll call vote with 42 Senators voting in the affirmative and 1 Senator voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 42: Senators Algiere, Alves, Bates, Blais, Breene, Canrio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaflrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS - 1: Senator Graziano.

15. (99-S705) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to health and safety - babies' changing tables.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute "A".

Senator Igliozzi moves passage, seconded by Senators Paiva Weed, Tocco, Izzo, Irons, Connors, Coderre, Walton, Perry, Felag, Kelly and many others.

The bill marked Substitute "A" is read and passed, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 39 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 39: Senators Algiere, Alves, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, Doneian, Enos, l'elag, Fogarty, Cello, Goodwin, Grariano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, MoCafrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptallis, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Welaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -0.

16. (99-S785 as amended) An Act relating to businesses and professions - pharmacy.

Committee on Health, Education and Welfare recommends passage as amended.

Senator Izzo moves passage, seconded by Senator Kelly.

Senators Patterson and Izzo discuss the act.

The act is read and passed, as amended, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 41 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 41: Senators Algiere, Alves, Bates, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, Doneian, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Craziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed. Perella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis. Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh, Walton.

NAYS -0.

17. (99-S125) An Act relating to criminal offenses - gambling and lotteries.

Committee on Special Legislation recommends passage.

Senator Tocco moves passage, seconded by Senators Coderre, Connors, Goodwin, Damiani and others.

The act is read and passed, upon a rob olll with 39 Senators voting in the 1 Senator voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS 39: Senators Alfflere Alves. Bale'c, 19E6, Celona, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Daniani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Gallo, Gibbs, Goodwin, Graziano, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, McDonald Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Perry, Raptakis, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walton.

NAYS - I: Senator Patterson.

NOW PRESIDING

His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, yields the rostrum to the Honorable Charles D. Walton, President Pro Tempore at 5:45 o'clock P.M.

CALENDAR

18. (99-S 756) (Substitute cc An Act relating to fish and wildlife - licensing.

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

Senator Sosnowski moves passage, seconded by Senators Enos, Goodwin, Gallo, Patterson, Felag and others.

Senators Alves, Sosnowski, Graziano, Montalbano, Walsh, Raptakis, Blais, Walton, Parella, Walaska, Oster and Blais discuss the act.

The bill marked Substitute cc read and passed, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, upon a roll call vote with 33 Senators voting in the affirmative and 9 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 33: Senators Algiere, Bates, Blais, Breene, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Damiani, DaPonte, Doneian, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Cello, Gibbs, Goodwin, Igliozzi, Irons, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McDonald, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Perry, Raptakis, Roney, Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh.

NAYS 9: Senators Alves, Caprio, Celona, Graziano, Issa, MoCaffrey, Montalbano, Oster, Sasso.

19. (99-S759) (Substitute "A") An Act relating to fish and wildlife - licensing.

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

Senator Sosnowski moves passage, seconded by Senators Enos, Paiva Weed, Bates, Goodwin, DaPonte, Patterson, Tocco, Walsh, Roney, Connors, Felag and others.

Senator Sosnowski, seconded by Senators Cicilline, Enos, Goodwin, Izzo, Tocco, McDonald and others, offers the following written motion to amend:

FLOOR AMENDMENT
TO

(99-S 759) (Substitute "A")

Mr. President:

I hereby move to amend (99-S 759) (Substitute "A") entitled "AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE - LICENSING", as follows:

1. On page 2, line 12, delete the word "one hundred dollars ($1OO)" and insert in lieu thereof the words "seventy-five dollars ($75).

2. On page 2, line 12, delete the words "seventy five ($75)" and insert in lieu thereof the words "twenty-five dollars ($25)".

Respectfully submitted,

V. SUSAN SOSNOWSKI
Senator, District 6

Senator Alves discusses the amendment.

The motion to amend prevails upon a roll call vote with 40 Senators voting in the affirmative and 1 Senator voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 40: Senators Algiere, Bates, Blais, Breene, Caprio, Celona, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cote, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Flynn, Fogarty, Gibbs, Goodwin, Igliozzi, Irons, Issa, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCatfrey, McDonald, Montalbano, Oster, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Raptakis, Roney, Ruggerio, Sasso, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh.

NAYS - 1: Senator Graziano.

Senators Alves, Graziano, Bates, Gibbs, Montalbano, Sasso and Enos discuss the act.

Upon motion of Senator Sosnowski, seconded cc by Senator Enos, the bill marked Substitute A is read and passed, as amended, and the original bill indefinitely postponed, upon a roll call vote with 33 Senators voting in the affirmative and 10 Senators voting in the negative as follows:

YEAS - 33; Senators Algiere, Bates, Blais, Breene, Cicilline, Coderre, Connors, Cole, Damiani, DaPonte, DoneIan, Enos, Felag, Fogarty, Gibbs, Goodwin, Igliozzi, Irons, Izzo, Kells, Kelly, McCaffrey, Montalbano, Paiva Weed, Parella, Patterson, Roberts, Roney, Ruggerio, Sosnowski, Tocco, Walaska, Walsh.

NAYS - 10; Senators Alves, Caprio, Celona, Flynn, Grariano, Issa, Montalbano, Oster, l:aptakis, Sasso.

Upon suggestion of Senator Enos, and without objection, the remainder of the Calendar is deferred to tomorrow.

GUESTS

Upon suggestion of Senators Celona, Montalbano and Gallo, and by unanimous consent, the Honorable President Pro Tempore, welcomes to the Chamber Patricia Bellini, a member of the Rhode Island Speech and Language Association Executive Board.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Senator Blais extends best wishes to Pheobe Chardin, Chief of Staff in the Senate Minority Leader's Office, on the special occasion of her birthday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Senator Irons announces that the Committee on Corporations will meet on Thursday, May 6, 1999, at 3:00 o'clock P.M. in Room 212 of the State House.

Also:

Senator Roberts announces that the Committee on Finance will meet on Thursday, May 6, 1999, at the rise of the Senate Room 211 of the State House.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion of Senator Kelly, seconded by Senator Flynn, the Senate adjourns at 6:09 o'clock P.M.

RAYMOND T. HOYAS, JR.
Clerk of the Senate

Appendix

INVOCATION
SENATOR JOHN A. CELONA

Eternal Father, open our hearts and minds to Your divine light upon our daily duties. May we proceed with the courage to make righteous decisions. Amen.

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