A sharp debate about allowing Rhode Islanders 21 and over to play table games remotely on a computer or a phone-based app punctuated the General Assembly’s final session for 2023, as lawmakers passed scores of bills before recessing at 1:37 a.m. Friday.
The iGaming bill, a key priority for Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, sparked a 90-minute debate in the House of Representatives.
Opponents like state Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Cranston Democrat) argued that the hand-held convenience of a mobile phone-based app will spark an increase in problem gambling. He argued unsuccessfully for a handful of amendments, including one to eliminate an auto-play feature.
“This is by far the most incredibly dangerous piece of legislation that I have seen since I’ve been here,” Porter said. “It is completely unvetted and I see no benefit other than enriching a large corporate partnership at the expense of devastating people throughout our state, working class people.”
Supporters countered by citing safeguards for users to create spending limits on how much they bet. The bill passed the House on a 57-to-11 vote.
“This legislation provides an added convenience to Rhode Islanders who would like to play the existing table games offered at Twin River via their mobile devices,” Ruggerio said. “It helps ensure the continued strength of the state facilities in the competitive regional gaming market, and in so doing protects an important revenue stream that provides funding for vital state programs and investments.”
In other news, the state Senate approved a $14 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July first, 32 to 4. Governor Dan McKee plans to sign the spending plan at noon Friday on the south steps of the Statehouse.
In contrast to her counterpart GOP House Leader Mike Chippendale (R-Foster), who praised the budget for incorporating feedback from the minority party, Senate Republican Leader Jessica de la Cruz of North Smithfield cited concern about the size of the budget.
“The record spending in this budget sets a dangerous precedent, particularly with
little relief in sight for high inflation and the potential of a looming recession,” de la Cruz said in a statement. “We had a rare opportunity to use surpluses and federal funds to supplement our budget, decrease spending, and send money back to taxpayers – like other states have done. Instead, the budget increased to a new historic high.”
Democrats praised the spending plan for adding more money for education and housing and they said it makes prudent use of federal aid.
Among other things, the budget funds a new cybersecurity center at the Community College of Rhode Island and a life-sciences hub, a priority of House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.
Most of the priorities cited earlier in a housing package backed by Shekarchi won approval, including bills meant to aid development, increase affordable units, and support transit-related development. but not a bill to create accessory dwelling units.
Among other high-profile issues, gun safety advocates were disappointed by an absence of voters on measures meant to ensure the safe storage of guns and to ban new sales of military-style rifles. But progressives applauded the passage earlier in the session of a measure extending abortion coverage for women on Medicaid and the state employee health plan.
A measure to make Juneteenth a state holiday will become law if signed by McKee.
Here’s a look at some other top issues in play in the final session.
Payday lending: On a 66 to 2 vote, the House approved a bill to restrict the interest charged by payday lenders to the same amount as other commercial lenders. This marked the first floor vote during at least 13 years of campaigns by anti-payday activists, but the bill died since it did not get a vote in the Senate.
Campaign finance: Lawmakers approved a bill doubling the amount that can be contributed per candidate, per year, to $2,000. Opponents said this will expand the influence of money in politics, but supporters said it could help outside challengers who do not have establishment support.
Shoreline access: A bill clarifying a public right to the point 10 feet landward of the recognizable high tide line won approval. Shekarchi cited this as a sign that legislation sent to review in a study commission is not bound to be forgotten.
Police accountability: The Senate passed a measure described by supporters as an improvement of the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, or LEOBOR. In part, it would give police chiefs greater discretion to speak publicly about instances under review. But the bill did not get a vote in the House, meaning that attempts to update LEOBOR have stalled for consecutive years.
The General Assembly will begin its next session in January.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org
