A brief list of bills from the 2017 General Assembly session that Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed so far:
Cellphones & Driving
Starting June 2018, drivers will no longer be able to use hand-held devices while driving, unless it’s a case of emergency. Texting is already prohibited but the new law fines people for holding a phone to make calls.
First-time offenses can be waived if drivers have proof of a hands-free device purchase, otherwise, it will be a $100 fine.
State Contracts
The law gives veteran-owned businesses a leg up in securing state government contracts creating a three-percent goal of the total value contracts that go to these businesses. Lawmakers hope the move will increase opportunities for former soldiers who often have trouble finding full-time employment.
A similar goal already exists for contracts awarded to women and minority-owned businesses.
University Research
This law protects Rhode Island researchers at state institutions from some public records requests.
Gov. Raimondo signed the bill last week, officially exempting preliminary drafts and working papers from public disclosure.
Opponents of the measure argue the law gets in the way of transparency but proponents, including University of Rhode Island professors, argue it protects academic freedom.
The legislation first made its way to the General Assembly following reports that in states like Arizona, scientists were being bombarded and slowed in their research by overwhelming records requests.
The issue appeared to disproportionately affect scientists working in areas of study like climate change.
