Legislation

Legislation sought to make Rhode Island the next state to adopt “death with dignity” legislation, allowing terminal patients to seek medication to end their lives.

In April and May, the ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees, respectively, in support of legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana use by adults.

The General Assembly approved important legislation allowing individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to ease their symptoms using medical marijuana.

Legislation sought to address the gender pay gap in Rhode Island by making it easier for individuals facing wage differentials to file a civil action against their employer, during which it would be up to the employer to demonstrate that the wage gap was on the basis of something other than sex.

The General Assembly considered, but did not act on, legislation ensuring that student newspapers share the same press freedom as other newspapers.

The General Assembly seemed poised to pass a number of bills aimed at improving the criminal justice system, including bills clarifying the definition of misdemeanor and felony, a bill adjusting the way probation and parole are done, and a bill establishing a Superior Court diversion program.

In June, the House and Senate approved legislation barring the state from entering into a contract with any business engaged in a boycott against various "foreign states."

The RI General Assembly approved a dangerous resolution calling for a national constitutional convention.

In March and April, the ACLU gave testimony to the Senate and House Judiciary committees in support of legislation limiting the use of solitary confinement.