Legislation

In March, the ACLU testified before the Senate Judiciary committee in opposition to legislation prohibiting virtually all synthetic cannabinoids and establishing a process to make more synthetic cannabinoids illegal without any legislative process.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in opposition to legislation making the use of a computer, phone, or similar device to make threats against a school or daycare facility a felony.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in opposition to legislation creating a new crime of obstructing traffic or obstructing a freeway.

As part of a package of computer crimes legislation, the General Assembly considered legislation overhauling the state’s prohibition on cyberstalking and cyberharrassment.

The ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in February in opposition to legislation dealing with unauthorized computer access.

The ACLU provided testimony to the House Judiciary committee in February against legislation criminalizing the transmission of HIV in certain circumstances.

Nationwide, women have historically been charged more for the same health insurance as men, solely because of their gender. This practice, known as gender rating, became illegal for certain health care plans under federal law, but gaps still exist in RI law that allow the practice to continue.

Rhode Island’s veterans have recently begun reporting facing such discrimination, and current law leaves them with no recourse. The legislation prohibits such discrimination against any service member in the Armed Forces or veteran with an honorable or general administrative discharge.

Existing federal prohibitions against pregnancy discrimination in the workplace have proven ineffective in prevention women from facing serious workplace penalties because of their pregnancy or breastfeeding status.