The first major overhaul of a controversial 48-year-old measure governing internal discipline of police in Rhode Island was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Dan McKee. The Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights — blamed by critics for inhibiting appropriate management of police who engage in misconduct — has defied changes for decades. But the […]
General Assembly
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics
Tax change sought by Citizens Bank lands on fast-track
Banks in Rhode Island are currently taxed on a three-factor calculation that includes in-state sales, property and payroll. Lawmakers balked when Gov. Dan McKee made a late-session budget amendment requested by Citizens to adopt a single-factor tax formula for large financial institutions. At the same time, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi indicated last week that he […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Rhode Island House passes $13.9 billion budget with broad support
The Rhode Island House of Representatives Friday evening passed a $13.9 billion budget that increases money for education and Medicaid providers while offering the first partial restoration of pension benefits suspended by the state in 2011. The spending plan was approved on a 69-to-five vote, with four of the nine Republicans in the House in […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for May 24, 2024
With the heat on the rise, 1) it’s time to hit up Sunshine Creamery; 2) go to the beach; and 3) the end of the General Assembly session looms. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
Transparency debated in new LEOBOR bill
Does the bill passed last week by the Rhode Island House of Representatives that would change the police bill of rights, known as LEOBOR, mark a setback for transparency in government? It depends who you ask. In a web posting Monday, the New England First Amendment Coalition and affiliated groups say the bill would keep […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
On a lopsided vote, the Rhode Island House passes a bill to overhaul police discipline
A bill overhauling how Rhode Island police departments handle misconduct cleared an important hurdle Thursday, clearing the House of Representatives on a 58-to-14 vote, although supporters and critics clashed on whether the legislation goes far enough to ensure public accountability. Efforts to change the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, or LEOBOR, were a non-starter […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 12, 2024
If someone was selling kits to build your own ark, they could clean up (before we all float away). You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for March 8, 2024
Notice how most folks have a little more spring in their step with extra daylight? You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE […]
Posted inHousing, Local, Politics
Shekarchi offers more bills to respond to Rhode Island’s housing crisis
Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on Thursday unveiled 15 bills meant to help the state make progress in the housing crisis. During a Statehouse press conference, Shekarchi expressed disappointment that Rhode Island remains last in the nation in per-capita housing production, despite the allocation of tens of millions of dollars in recent years. He […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Rhode Island Senate touts package to address healthcare needs
The Rhode Island Senate unveiled a package Tuesday of 25 bills meant to boost healthcare access and affordability in the state. A variety of related challenges, ranging from a shortage of primary care doctors to the uncertain future of some local hospitals, have gained growing attention in recent years. The Senate legislation responds by targeting […]
