As we approach the end of session, fewer bills of interest are up for hearing, but many are scheduled for consideration. Scheduled for consideration means these bills get a vote in committee, but you cannot testify on them. However, you can always call or email your senators and reps directly!
There are some great bills up this week, and one really bad bill. Bills to provide free menstrual products in public schools are moving forward (you can testify on the House version in the Senate Committee on Education), and the gender neutral bathroom bills (both House and Senate versions) are scheduled for consideration, which is great news! Details below. However, a terrible redistricting bill is up for a vote in the House. Every 10 years, RI redraws its districts, ostensibly to reflect changes in population. However, this bill gives total control of that process to the Senate President and House Speaker, setting the stage for gerrymandering and retaliation against senators and representatives who speak out against their leadership. Senator Cynthia Mendes has a great thread on this, which you can read here.
MONDAY, JUNE 14TH
House Committee on Health and Human Services
UP FOR CONSIDERTATION
S86: provides that menstrual products be provided in public schools – support
House Committee on State Government and Elections
UP FOR CONSIDERTATION
S852: gives total redistricting control to a commission handpicked by the Senate President and House Speaker, setting the path to continue RIs history of gerrymandering - oppose
Senate Committee on Judiciary
UP FOR CONSIDERTATION
H6155: eliminates the marital sexual assault exemption when the victim is incapacitated, disabled, or helpless – support
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16TH
Senate Committee on Education
Requests for verbal testimony must be submitted by 4:00pm on June 15th. Written testimony may be submitted by email to slegislation@rilegislature.gov by 2:00 on the 16th.
H5083: provides that menstrual products be provided in public schools – support
Senate Committee on Labor
Requests for verbal testimony must be submitted by 4:00pm on June 15th. Written testimony may be submitted by email to slegislation@rilegislature.gov by 2:00 on the 16th.