Last Week at the General Assembly

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.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

Marshall bill would create statewide enterprise zone
Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren) has introduced legislation to designate all of Rhode Island as an enterprise zone to revitalize the state’s battered economy. If the bill (2014-H 7209) is approved, companies all over the state would qualify for state and any available federal tax credits for hiring new employees in enterprise zones.

Gallison bill would punish those who threaten schools
Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) has introduced legislation (2014-H 7385) to establish a new misdemeanor for the use of a computer, phone, smart phone, tablet, or any similar device to “make any false statements or threats concerning the endangerment of students at any school,” punishable with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. The bill would apply to schools at all levels, including colleges. Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton) has introduced companion legislation (2014-S 2378). 

Comprehensive sex offender legislation introduced
Rep. Peter G. Palumbo (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) has introduced legislation, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, to replace existing sex offender laws with a more comprehensive statute, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), which implements provisions of the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The bill proposes a new mechanism for “tiering” sex offenders and places control of the registry under the State Police. The bill (2014-H 7425) is before the House Committee on Finance.
Click here to see news release.

Amore introduces firearm safety legislation
Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) introduced a bill to prevent those convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault from purchasing a firearm. The legislation (2014-H 7310) would apply to individuals convicted of all domestic violence-related misdemeanors, which includes simple assault, vandalism, disorderly conduct, trespassing, violation of protective orders, stalking, refusal to relinquish or to obstruct a telephone and cyberharassment. It would also subject violators to three to 15 years of imprisonment.
Click here to see news release.

Bill calls for high-earner tax rate hike, restoration of revenue sharing
Rep. Scott J. Guthrie (D-Dist. 28, Coventry) has introduced legislation calling for a restoration of general revenue sharing for cities and towns, funding the program with the added revenue that would result by hiking the tax rate on high-income earners. The bill (2014-H 7245) would raise the tax rate on income over $250,000 from the current 5.99 percent to 7.99 percent, generating an estimated $60 million in additional state revenue.

Cote submits bill to give veteran-owned companies a leg up for state contracts Sen. Marc A. Cote (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) has introduced a bill (2014-S 2257) to give veteran-owned small businesses entities a preference in the state purchasing process, akin to the benefit awarded to women-owned and minority-owned businesses. The legislation would require that at least 3 percent of the total value of all state contracts available to businesses in each fiscal year be awarded to businesses owned by veterans. Similar legislation (2014-H 7074) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston).
Click here to see news release.  

Legislation would reinstate auto excise tax phase-out
Rep. Michael W. Chippendale (R-Dist. 40, Foster, Glocester, Coventry) has introduced a bill (2014-H 7429) to reinstate the automobile excise tax phase-out program, increasing exemptions by $500 over the next six years and by $1,000 over the following three years. 

Bill introduced to eliminate income tax for retirees
Rep. Joseph A. Trillo (R-Dist. 24, Warwick) has introduced legislation (2014-H 7418) to eliminate the personal income tax for all Rhode Island retirees, defined as anyone who has reached full retirement age as determined by the Social Security Administration.