Woonsocket Radio News Room

This week at the

General Assembly

 

STATE HOUSE — Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease

 

 

§  Shekarchi introduces legislation to ease zoning for emergency shelter units
Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) introduced legislation (2025-H 5100) to enable cities and towns to allow temporary emergency housing structures for people experiencing homelessness during severe weather or other disasters.

Click here to see news release.

 

§  Solomon bill would pave way for foreign-trained doctors to practice medicine
Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) has introduced legislation (2025-H 5108) that would allow internationally trained physicians to practice at health care facilities in rural and underserved communities and would provide a mentorship alternative to the residency requirement. It would also create pathways to licensure and allow them to apply for a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  Corvese bill would bar auto insurers from using ZIP codes to set premiums
Rep. Arthur J. Corvese (D-Dist. 55, North Providence) has introduced legislation to prohibit auto insurers from using ZIP codes as a factor in determining their customers’ rates. The legislation (2025-H 5104) would halt an inequitable practice that can be discriminatory and leads to higher insurance premiums for many of those who can least afford them.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  Potter, Ujifusa bill aims to reduce prior authorization requirements

Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) have introduced legislation (2025-H 5120, 2025-S 0053) to prohibit health insurers from requiring prior authorization for treatment and services ordered by a patient’s primary care provider (PCP). The legislation is meant to help patients access the care they need in a timely manner while also decreasing a significant administrative burden on PCPs so they can focus on patient care.
Click here to see news release.

 

§  Senate confirms Turco as Life Science Hub CEO

The Senate voted unanimously to confirm Mark Turco as the first CEO of Rhode Island’s new Life Science Hub Tuesday. Turco, a 25-year industry veteran, will oversee the agency’s strategy to develop Rhode Island as a regional leader in the life science industry.

 

§  Senate committees meet to review response to homelessness

The Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government met with the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight to review the Department of Housing’s response to the state’s homelessness crisis. The panels also heard a status update on the Echo Village shelter project.

Click here to watch committee meeting.

 

§  Commission celebrates life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King

The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission held its annual celebration of the life of the great civil rights leader. The official holiday commemoration included remarks by commission members, state and religious leaders, several musical presentations, and a number of awards. Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence), who chairs the MLK State Holiday Commission, served as master of ceremonies.

Click here to see news release.

 

§  Alzate and Diaz condemn President Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship

Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) and Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) condemned President Donald Trump’s recent executive order ending birthright citizenship. Both legislators stand behind Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and his decision to pursue a lawsuit to stop the executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship in the United States.

Click here to see Alzate release

Click here to see Diaz release                                                       

President Trump says the killing is stopping in Iran. Wednesday at the White House, the President said he just heard on good authority that Iran won't hold executions, presumably of anti-government protesters. Trump would not elaborate on the information or where it came from. The president has warned Iran the U.S. is looking at options, possibly using the military, for intervening in the crackdown on anti-government protests, and stands "ready to help."        A member of Congress is filing articles of impeachment against Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem. Illinois Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly cited the secretary's handling of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. She also alleged Noem denied members of Congress "oversight of ICE detention facilities." Kelly's impeachment articles also accuse Noem of violating public trust and abusing her power for personal benefit.        Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is expected to meet with President Trump on Thursday at the White House. Trump's relationship with Machado has become somewhat complicated since the U.S. arrested former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Following that military operation, Trump said Machado "doesn't have the support within, or the respect within, the country." Many expected Machado to be a key player in Venezuela after Maduro's ousting, but Trump allowed Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, to assume control.        The Supreme Court is allowing an Illinois congressman to sue the state over a mail-in ballot law. Republican Congressman Michael Bost was granted the legal right to sue Illinois over its ability to count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, which is a practice being targeted by President Trump and his allies. While the legality of the practice itself was not before the justices, the seven to two ruling could pave the way for political candidates nationwide to challenge election laws more easily in their states.        Preliminary numbers reveal enrollment in Obamacare has dropped. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 22-point-eight million consumers signed up for 2026 individual market health insurance compared to the 23-point-six million consumers who enrolled around this time last year. The decline of roughly 800-thousand people is an early indication that allowing the enhanced premium tax subsidies to expire caused people to defer signing up for health insurance.        Those hoping to attend the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics can now register for the ticket draw. Fans can submit their application now for the chance to be among the first to buy tickets. The registration period will be open until March 18th and fans will be notified if they've been selected by April 7th. The first ticket drop for the general public will start April 9th. Ticket prices start at 28-dollars.       

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