Legislation

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All Legislation

Legislation

Apr 08, 2021

First Amendment

Hate Crimes Sentencing Act (H 6147 A, S 803)

Though hate crimes deserve condemnation, we opposed a piece of legislation that would have expanded the scope of the Hate Crimes Sentencing Act in a way which could have established a hate crime based solely on the defendant’s speech without a finding of animus.

Legislation

Apr 05, 2021

First Amendment|
+2 Issues

Prohibition on Teaching “Divisive Concepts” (H 6070)

Noting that this bill was not only an assault on free speech but that it would inappropriately quash important teaching and conversation around such issues as institutional racism or sexism, we opposed legislation which sought to ban the teaching of “divisive topics” in public schools.

Legislation

Mar 29, 2021

Criminal Justice|
+1 Issue

Office of the Civil Rights Advocate (H 5860, S 729)

Though intended to address the issue of police misconduct, we opposed a piece of legislation introduced on behalf of the Attorney General which could have given the state more power to investigate those protesting or organizing against police abuse.

Legislation

Mar 15, 2021

Government Transparency|
+1 Issue

Senate Rules (S 336)

The introduction of the Rhode Island Senate rules this session prompted our initial commentary in two specific aspects.

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

First Amendment

State Police Computer System (H 5596, S 59 A)

Prompted by a 2019 shooting in Rhode Island which highlighted interjurisdictional gaps in information among police departments, a bill was introduced which would allow the state police to create a comprehensive, statewide records management program.

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

First Amendment

Child Erotica (H 5614 A, S 502 A)

Although child pornography is a scourge, we opposed a bill that carves out a new exception to the First Amendment criminalizing the possession or display of vaguely defined “child erotica” when used for the “specific purpose of sexual gratification . . . from viewing the visual portrayals.”

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

First Amendment

Workplace Bullying (H 6352, S 196)

While ensuring a healthy workplace is a laudable goal, a piece of legislation rapidly passed by the Senate would have created a far-reaching “civility code” and imposed liability on employers or co-workers who were, among other things, “overbearing.”

Legislation

Feb 26, 2021

First Amendment

Net Neutrality (H 5054, S 342 A)

“Net Neutrality” guarantees that access to the internet remains non-discriminatory and that internet service providers can’t choose what sites you have access to or how quickly you can access them.

Legislation

Feb 05, 2021

First Amendment

Traffic Interference (H 5001, H 6269, S 404)

We opposed a piece of legislation which would have made interference with traffic by standing, sitting, kneeling, or otherwise loitering on a highway a felony crime punishable by three years in prison.

Legislation

Apr 08, 2021

Legislation

Apr 08, 2021

First Amendment

Hate Crimes Sentencing Act (H 6147 A, S 803)

Legislation

Apr 05, 2021

Legislation

Apr 05, 2021

First Amendment|
+2 Issues

Prohibition on Teaching “Divisive Concepts” (H 6070)

Legislation

Mar 29, 2021

Legislation

Mar 29, 2021

Criminal Justice|
+1 Issue

Office of the Civil Rights Advocate (H 5860, S 729)

Legislation

Mar 15, 2021

Legislation

Mar 15, 2021

Government Transparency|
+1 Issue

Senate Rules (S 336)

The introduction of the Rhode Island Senate rules this session prompted our initial commentary in two specific aspects.

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

First Amendment

State Police Computer System (H 5596, S 59 A)

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

First Amendment

Child Erotica (H 5614 A, S 502 A)

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

Legislation

Mar 08, 2021

First Amendment

Workplace Bullying (H 6352, S 196)

Legislation

Feb 26, 2021

Legislation

Feb 26, 2021

First Amendment

Net Neutrality (H 5054, S 342 A)

Legislation

Feb 05, 2021

Legislation

Feb 05, 2021

First Amendment

Traffic Interference (H 5001, H 6269, S 404)

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