Legislation

While tobacco use among teenagers is by no means to be encouraged, legislation mandating participation in a tobacco treatment program for any minor caught using or possessing tobacco products brought opposition from the ACLU and health groups, including anti-smoking advocacy groups.

Over ACLU objections, the General Assembly has enacted a law making it illegal for minors to engage in “sexting,” the widespread practice among teenagers of transmitting nude photos of themselves to others.

Over ACLU objections, Governor Chafee has signed into law problematic legislation designed to address the problem of bullying in the schools.

The Affiliate testified in opposition to a bill to ban texting by students during school hours.

For the third year in a row, the General Assembly debated whether to allow 18-20 year olds to enter nightclubs in order to address the problem of underage drinking.

The General Assembly enacted legislation creating a pilot recovery high school program for students with substance abuse addictions.

Surveys indicate that 20% of teenagers have engaged in “sexting,” the practice of sending nude or semi-nude photos of oneself via cell phones or similar technology. The response: a bill from the Attorney General to drag these teens into Family Court and turn them into status offenders.

For the second year in a row, there’s a focus on whether to allow 18-20 year olds into nightclubs.

A liquor store owner who sells alcohol to a minor faces a $250 fine for a first offense. However, a major push is being made to amend the state’s “social host” law to subject teenagers under 21 to a six-month prison sentence if they give alcohol to someone else also under the age of 21.