Legislation

This legislation, opposed by the ACLU, would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to attest to a patient’s mental health condition and participate in certifying patients for mandated outpatient treatment, something that only doctors can do presently.

The ACLU strongly supported legislation to address problems with the entire concept of civil forfeiture. These bills would have ensured judicial oversight, and that law enforcement could not confiscate a person's belongings even when they know they cannot make a criminal case against them.

Well-intentioned legislation relating to the fraudulent portrayal of a pet as a service animal prompted ACLU concerns.

Voters should have the right to have their votes tallied, even if it is for a losing cause. Legislation introduced this year would have imposed restrictions on that right, by eliminating the counting of write-in votes for persons who have not filed in advance a "declaration of intent."

The General Assembly continued its spate this year of legislation to further penalize sex offenders without emphasizing public safety. This year, that included legislation would authorize innkeepers to kick out any Level III sex offender living in the establishment for more than 30 days.

Legislation was introduced to eliminate the exemption of the RI State Board of Elections from the rule-making provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Currently, the Board can adopt regulations affecting the voting process without having to hold a public notice or hearing process.

Women nationwide earn on average just 77% of the wages earned by men, with that percentage dropping significantly for women of color. Legislation aimed to address the issue in Rhode Island by making it easier for individuals facing wage differentials to file a civil action against their employer.

This important legislation would make it unlawful for employers to refuse to hire, discharge or otherwise discriminate against an individual on account of their use of medical marijuana.

While addressing the serious issue of maternal mental health disorders is a laudable goal, legislation under consideration this year requiring a mental health screening for mothers before release from a birthing facility would have set a troubling precedent for the privacy and treatment of new moms.