<![CDATA[Rhode Island House Republicans - 2018]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:47:39 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Minority Leader Morgan’s FOIA Request Suggests No NICS Requests from AG]]>Thu, 26 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/minority-leader-morgans-foia-request-suggests-no-nics-requests-from-agPrinter Friendly View 
Providence, RI - Minority Leader Patricia Morgan is questioning the Attorney General’s reporting of individuals to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
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Faced with stonewalling from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, Leader Morgan submitted a FOIA request on March 27, 2018, to the FBI. She requested the number of individuals reported to the NICS system by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office. On April 23, 2018, she received a response from the FBI stating: “We were unable to locate records responsive to your request.” This implies that the Attorney General has failed to report individuals to the NICS system.

The NICS system was launched in 1998 and is credited with stopping over 2.4 million dangerous individuals from purchasing guns. Anyone purchasing a firearm from a gun store must submit to an NICS background check.

“Prevention is undoubtedly the most effective means to keep our citizens safe.  It should obviously be a priority for every elected official.  Therefore, it is completely unacceptable that my efforts to use our existing laws and resources to protect our children and teachers has been callously dismissed and blocked by the Office of the Attorney General.”

After the tragic Parkland Shooting in March, Leader Morgan asked the Attorney General to provide an update on the number of individuals he has reported to the National Instant Criminal Database System (NICS). Kilmartin’s office refused to answer, stating that the number is classified information.

“The Attorney General’s office stated that the number of individuals reported under NICS is ‘classified’ information. I was asking for a number with no personal or identifying information. I questioned the transparency and accountability of the Attorney General. It turns out, according to our FOIA request, that they may have reported nobody at all. Parents and grandparents should be disgusted that our chief law enforcement agency prefers to evade its responsibility when school security is at stake.”

“I’m troubled by the hypocrisy. State Democrat leaders are seeking to take away the second amendment rights of law-abiding citizens when they are not fulfilling their responsibility to prevent criminals from buying guns.”

“Is the Attorney General submitting names to the FBI to prevent bad people from getting guns in the first place? We don’t know, and the Attorney General won’t tell us, but the FBI indicates that they haven’t.”

“We can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to investigate the reporting mechanisms at the state level. The FBI must be provided with the information they need to deter violent criminals.”  
Additional Resources
Contact Information
Ian O'Connor 
Tel: (401) 222-2259
Email: IOConnor@rilegislature.gov
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Lancia Raises Concerns about Relocating Psychiatric Patients to the Training School]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/rep-lancia-raises-concerns-about-relocating-psychiatric-patients-to-the-training-schoolPrinter Friendly View 
STATE HOUSE -- Rep. Robert Lancia (R-Dist. 16, Cranston) is alarmed about plans to move some of the most dangerous psychiatric patients in Rhode Island to the Training School in Cranston.
The Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) has been renovating the Roosevelt Benton Center at the Training School with plans to move patients from Eleanor Slater Hospital to the facility after construction is completed in June. These would include the state’s forensic population comprised of some of Rhode Island’s most dangerous psychiatric patients including individuals convicted of violent crimes.

“I am worried about the safety of staff and patients as well as the residents of Cranston. This facility was designed to house young men awaiting trial not mental health patients at a high risk of harming themselves or others. There have also been escapes from the Roosevelt Brenton Center in the past and I am concerned about what could happen if one of these disturbed individuals were to find their way out and into our community,” stated Rep. Lancia.     

The Roosevelt Benton Center at the Training School opened in 2009 as part of a new $62 million juvenile detention center but closed in 2017 after a number of violent incidents that left staff and residents wounded. The state has spent $7 million to retrofit the facility to handle patients from Eleanor Slater Hospital but some, including members of the state’s correctional community, have raised concerns that it may not be enough. They argue that psychiatric patients suffering from mental illnesses are much more difficult to control and that the facility itself may not be adequate to hold them no matter how much is spent to upgrade it.

The move comes after a report issued by the Joint Commission, a group that oversees medical facilities, warned that Eleanor Slater Hospital was in danger of losing its accreditation if it did not make substantial upgrades to ensure patient safety. Calls for the state to renovate the facility have persisted for years but little has been done to address the issues facing the ageing Phillippe Pinel and Adolph Meyer Buildings where patients are currently housed.

Rep. Lancia continued saying, “I understand that BHDDH is trying to find the best facility to treat these individuals but we should not sacrifice safety to accomplish that goal. Instead of finding a stop-gap solution the state should focus on a long term plan to adequately fund mental health care facilities that are designed from the ground up to house these patients.”
Contact Information
​Ian O'Connor 
Tel: (401) 222-2259
Email: IOConnor@rilegislature.gov
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Nardolillo Extremely Disappointed About Animal Cruelty Case]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/rep-nardolillo-extremely-disappointed-about-animal-cruelty-casePrinter Friendly View
Providence, RI - Rep. Robert Nardolillo III (R-Dist. 28 Coventry) is upset over the recent court case involving an Exeter man convicted on two counts of animal cruelty.
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​Police raided the home of an Exeter man in December and found nearly 100 animals living in unsanitary conditions including dogs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and goats. Last week the man in question was convicted of two charges including overwork, mistreatment or failure to feed animals and unnecessary cruelty to animals. He was only fined $200 for his actions leaving many animal advocacy groups upset over the court’s decision.

The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) feel this punishment does not go far enough and that judgements like this will only encourage animal abuse because there are no serious consequences.

Rep. Nardolillo agrees stating, “This ruling is very disappointing. I have no tolerance for animal abuse and I have worked hard as a legislator to put laws in place to prevent these heinous acts. All of that effort was undone when the court chose to issue a $200 fine instead of a real punishment. What kind of message does it send when the penalty for being so cruel costs less than a speeding ticket?”

Rhode Island has seen a number of similar animal abuse cases in recent months and Rep. Nardolillo feels that something must be done to protect the rights of animals in Rhode Island.

He went on to say, “The kind of leniency applied to this case is outrageous. Rhode Island should strive to set an example for the rest of the nation but rulings like this have the opposite effect. We must do more to protect our animals but that can only happen if everyone does their part. The courts need to do more in the future to ensure that these crimes are dealt with consistently and appropriately.”

Rep. Nardolillo has long been a supporter of animal rights. He has cosponsored legislation in the past that increased the penalties for those convicted of animal abuse and called for the courts to impose harsher sentences on abusers.
Contact Information 
Ian O'Connor, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Minority Leader Patricia Morgan Continues to Demand AG Release Google Funds for School Safety]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/minority-leader-patricia-morgan-continues-to-demand-ag-release-google-funds-for-school-safetyPrinter Friendly View 
STATE HOUSE -- House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan (R-District 26 Coventry, Warwick, W. Warwick) continues to call on the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General to release nearly $23 million in Google settlement funds to upgrade security in Rhode Island schools.  ​
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“The Office of Attorney General was given $60 million in 2012 as part of the $230 million Google settlement for law enforcement purposes,” said Leader Morgan. “Since then, the office has spent nearly two thirds of the money on purchases that are much less important than our children and teachers’ safety, including high-end tablets and accessories, lapel pins, generator rentals, and a new $15 million ‘customer support center’ in Cranston.”

The state budget office estimates that about $23 million from the settlement funds has not been committed to future projects.

“The remaining $23 million should be given to our schools for security upgrades. I have been calling on the Attorney General’s Office to contribute these funds since February and have received nothing but hostile stonewalling.”

 “The Attorney General’s Office first attempted to charge me over $3,700 for documents detailing expenditures made with the settlement money.  Under state law, as Minority Leader and member of the House finance committee, the Attorney General’s office is required to provide me with documents without a fee. I sent a letter detailing the law and their legal obligation almost four weeks ago on March 28th, and they have been unresponsive.  It is disturbing that our chief law officer has such a callous disregard for his own responsibility to uphold the law.

“Governor Raimondo has provided him with support, labeling the remaining funds ‘a drop in the bucket’. That’s hypocritical. I believe every school committee would welcome their share of the money to upgrade security at their schools.  Dividing the remaining $23 million among our 306 public schools, provides each with $75,000. That will go a long way to keeping our children safe. It is a practical and essential step in preventing future tragedies,” said Leader Morgan.

“Each school faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to school security. After speaking to school officials throughout Rhode Island, the districts will clearly benefit from additional funding for security upgrades. Being able to install automatic locks, bulletproof glass, or even active shooter detection systems would ensure our children are safe during the school day.  The Attorney General must relinquish his pot of gold to protect our children.”
Additional Resources: 
Contact Information 
Ian O'Connor 
Tel: (401) 222-2259
Email: IOConnor@rilegislature.gov
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Nardolillo Fights for Seat Belts on School Buses]]>Wed, 11 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/rep-nardolillo-fights-for-seat-belts-on-school-busesPrinter Friendly View 
Providence, RI - State Representative Robert Nardolillo III (R District 28 – Coventry) has introduced legislation requiring all school buses in Rhode Island be equipped with seat belts to protect students.
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“I am once again calling on the state to do what is right and avoid a potential tragedy. It is a fact that seat belts save countless lives every year yet we do not require them on school buses despite evidence that shows they can prevent serious injury or even death in the event of an accident,” stated Rep. Nardolillo.

The bill (2018-H 8067) would require that every new school bus purchased or leased for use in Rhode Island be equipped with a three-point seat belt for every passenger after 2020. The legislation would also require every school district to train staff on the proper usage of the new seat belts including how to evacuate a bus equipped with them.
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Rep. Nardolillo is not alone in his call for seat belts on school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shifted its position on the issue in 2015 and now recommends that school buses to be equipped with seat belts to protect children. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also come out in favor of the measure after studying a number of school bus crashes that resulted in injury or death stating, “A seat belt could have lessened their injuries or even saved their lives.”
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Some have argued that school buses are designed to keep children safe without the use of seat belts but data from the NTSB suggests otherwise. Simulations based on fatal school bus accidents have shown that unbelted students are at a much higher risk of injury during a crash compared to those who are strapped in. According to those same simulations, a three-point seat belt provides the most protection in the event of a crash. 
Rep. Nardolillo went on to say, “We have industry experts and computer models that show seat belts are the best way to keep students safe in the event of an accident. Several states have passed similar laws and I feel it is time for Rhode Island to do the same. This is a common sense measure to keep our children safe and I urge my fellow legislators to support it.” 
Contact Information 
​Ian O'Connor 
Tel: (401) 222-2259
Email: IOConnor@rilegislature.gov
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Lancia Calls for Military Pensions to be Exempt from State Income Tax Encourages Veterans to Stay in Rhode​Island]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/rep-lancia-calls-for-military-pensions-to-be-exempt-from-state-income-tax-encourages-veterans-to-stay-in-rhodeislandPrinter Friendly View 
STATE HOUSE -- Rep. Robert Lancia (R-Dist. 16, Cranston) is calling on the state to create a new tax exemption for income derived from military pensions in an effort to entice veterans to stay in Rhode Island.
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“As a disabled Navy veteran I understand how difficult it can be for my fellow servicemen and women to survive on their military pensions alone. Rhode Island is one of only a handful of states that fully taxes income derived from these retirement funds leaving us at a severe disadvantage when trying to convince veterans to stay here. This tax exemption will slow the population drain that has plagued our state and help us avoid losing one of our congressional seats,” stated Rep. Lancia.

Rep. Lancia’s bill (2018-HB 7141) would make Rhode Island more welcoming to veterans by fully exempting military pensions from the state income tax by 2022.

The state has struggled to match the population growth in other parts of the country leading to worries that it will lose a seat in the House of Representatives. Some have proposed offering tax incentives or even payments to new residents in an effort to increase the state’s population but few see this as a viable option. Rep. Lancia hopes that the exemption will help the state retain its population of over 65,000 veterans and encourage more to move to Rhode Island.

Rep. Bobby Nardolillo co-sponsored the bill and added, “Rhode Island is a wonderful state with a proud military heritage. Our citizens have defended this nation since the American Revolution and yet we continue to lag behind other states in ensuring that our veterans are taken care of. This act would be a way to keep our population from shrinking any further with the added benefit of protecting those who protected us.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Bobby Nardolillo (R-Dist. 28, Coventry), Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), Rep. Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren), and Rep. James N. McLaughlin (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls). There will be a press conference held in the rotunda of the State House on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 3 pm to discuss the legislation and the challenges facing veterans in Rhode Island. 
Contact Information
Ian O'Connor 
Tel: (401) 222-2259
Email: IOConnor@rilegislature.gov
]]><![CDATA[Morgan Continues Fight to Force AG to Use Google Funds for School Security Message to Raimondo: $23 Million is NOT a ‘Drop in the Bucket”]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/morgan-continues-fight-to-force-ag-to-use-google-funds-for-school-security-message-to-raimondo-23-million-is-not-a-drop-in-the-bucketPrinter Friendly View
​Providence, RI - ​Representative Patricia Morgan is continuing her fight to have the remaining $23 million Google Settlement used to install and upgrade security measures in Rhode Island’s schools. 
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“Governor Raimondo is so enamored with her ultra-liberal anti-gun political agenda, that she is refusing to take the commonsense measure of calling for the remaining Google settlement to be used to make our schools safer. The Google money is here now and can be used immediately. Sadly, it appears she doesn’t want to dilute her political agenda, by actually doing something practical to make schools more secure now.  Parents should be disturbed by her callous disregard.”

"The Governor prefers to fall back on idiotic talking points, instead of actually addressing security issues. Contrary to her mindless spin, no one is suggesting we make our schools feel like ‘prisons’.  Does she really think ‘cutting shrubs’ will stop a shooter?  As a former teacher, I am confident the Google money would go a long way to helping schools purchase the security measures that best protect their students.” 

Patricia Morgan, House Republican Leader, is referring to the Governor’s comments on WPRO 630 this morning.  “Six weeks ago, I called upon the Attorney General to use the remaining Google Settlement funds to install security measures in our schools. We have discovered that from the original $230 million, $23 million remains.  Clearly the Governor is in an alternative reality from the rest of us; she had the audacity to call that money ‘a drop in the bucket’. “

“I spoke with superintendents this morning and I can tell you they would welcome their share of that money.  They have been doing their job and exploring security measures to keep their students and staff safe.  The Google money would help them act more quickly.”

“I call on the Governor and all our state leaders to compel the Attorney General to release the remaining Google money to school districts immediately.”
Contact Information
Ian O'Connor, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Representative Justin K. Price Fights for Rhode Island’s Fishing Industry]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/representative-justin-k-price-fights-for-rhode-islands-fishing-industryPrinter Friendly View 
​STATE HOUSE -- Representative Justin K. Price (R-District 39 Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond) has introduced legislation to help restore stability to the Rhode Island commercial fishing community. Local fishermen are challenged with the daunting task of complying with a number of minor regulations that, if violated, can lead to debilitating penalties. The bill, also sponsored by Rep. Robert A. Nardolillo, will help ensure a fair environment for these small businesses.
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The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (“RIDEM”) law enforcement agents currently have the power to seize all fishing equipment from a fisherman in violation of state and federal law. According to local fishermen, DEM agents have used this ability excessively, causing major financial distress to their businesses. The seizure of gear can result in outsized costs for even the simplest or smallest violation. Seized licenses and equipment mean that a business cannot operate until they have been through the RIDEM adjudication process, which results in the loss of catch, unjustified fines, and the loss of valuable fishing time.

“This has been an issue for way too long. When a vessel and its catch are seized over something minor or questionable, it takes months to settle these violations leaving the captain, crews and fish-houses without income. The lack of structure and upgrading that is needed for the RIDEM’s General Provisional laws would simply level the playing field to ensure that there are protections in place for small businesses to continue to function until they have been through an adjudication process,” said Richard Fuka, President of the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance.

Rep. Price’s bill would address these concerns by allowing fishermen who feel their equipment has been seized unfairly to file a claim in superior court challenging the decision. It would also allow the fishermen to pay a bond to recover their property before the trial. The fishermen may also seek compensation for anything not returned, such as the value of their catch if the court rules that the violation was not significant or substantial.

“Rhode Island has a rich fishing heritage, but today that industry is threatened by regulations and government overreach,” stated Rep. Price.

“These are small business owners who contribute millions to our economy, and yet they can have their livelihood torn away without any recourse. This legislation will allow them to keep working while the courts make their determination,” said Rep. Nardolillo who cosponsors the bill.

The fishing industry accounts for nearly 5000 jobs in Rhode Island, making it an important part of the state’s economy. The number of commercial fishing boats in the state fleet has decreased in the past decade, making every crew and vessel vital to sustain one of the state’s oldest and most essential industries.
Contact Information
​Ian O'Connor 
Tel: (401) 222-2259
Email: IOConnor@rilegislature.gov
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Giarrusso to Testify Before House Judiciary Committee on Traffic Camera Bill Calls for their Elimination and Urges Public Support]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/rep-giarrusso-to-testify-before-house-judiciary-committee-on-traffic-camera-bill-calls-for-their-elimination-and-urges-public-supportPrinter Friendly View 
STATE HOUSE – On April 3, 2018 Senior Deputy Minority Leader Anthony Giarrusso (R District 30 – East Greenwich, West Greenwich) will testify before the House Judiciary Committee on legislation that he has submitted to eliminate traffic cameras in Rhode Island.
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Rep. Giarrusso’s bill (H-7760) would repeal the Automated Traffic Violation Monitoring System Act of 2005, which gives cities and towns the power to install traffic cameras. This comes after the City of Providence issued over 12,000 tickets in just over a month using a new speed camera system set up in school zones. A number of these violations have been dismissed in municipal court and a class action lawsuit has been filed against the city. 

“These fines are simply a tax masquerading as a public safety initiative.  It is not about protecting people, it is about finding a new way to bankroll oversized budgets on the backs of average citizens. I sincerely hope the public will turn out to support this bill. Together we can get rid of the cameras and send a message that it is time local governments to start living within their means,” stated Rep. Giarrusso.

The House Judiciary Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in Room 101 of the State House after the legislative session.
Contact Information
Ian O'Connor, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Nardolillo Rails Against Governor’s Proposed Cuts Demands Funding for Programs that Support Disabled Individuals in Rhode Island]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2018pr/rep-nardolillo-rails-against-governors-proposed-cuts-demands-funding-for-programs-that-support-disabled-individuals-in-rhode-islandPrinter Friendly View
Providence, RI - State Representative Robert Nardolillo III (R District 28 – Coventry) is calling for action against Governor Gina Raimondo’s proposed $18 million funding cut to programs for mentally and physically disabled citizens.
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​The administration has proposed a $400-million budget for the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals. However, this would include cutting spending by the Division of Developmental Disabilities on services provided by private organizations to individuals with disabilities from $238 million to $220 million. This has raised concerns that group homes, transportation providers, and work programs across the state could have fewer resources available in the coming year.

“The governor is asking for more money to provide less to our state’s most vulnerable population. It makes no sense to increase the overall budget while reducing funds for programs that benefit over 3,700 individuals with special needs,” stated Rep. Nardolillo. 

Officials from BHDDH argue that the reductions are necessary because fewer individuals are living in private group homes. They claim that an initiative focused on moving people into lower cost community based living arrangements has reduced the need for this $18-million a year but families and advocates argue that is not the case.

During a rally at the State House, care-providers, families, and members of the disabled community expressed concerns about the potential harm these cuts could cause. Many, including members of the Community Provider Network of Rhode Island which organized the event, argued that this reduction in funding could cost caretakers their jobs.

Rep. Nardolillo was fortunate enough to meet with members of the group and went on to say, “These people work hard to take care of our most vulnerable residents yet they may lose their jobs if there is not enough funding in the coming year. I also worry about the possible safety risks that come with having fewer staff on hand. The staff in these group homes care deeply for the individuals they serve but with fewer resources to draw on, some may not receive the proper care they need.” 

“We must strive to do more for the disabled people of this state. For too long we have ignored their needs and asked the people who watch over them to make do with the bare minimum. This practice must stop and I urge my fellow legislators to join me in calling for the reinstatement of these funds. Together we can create a system that helps the developmentally disabled live and grow here in Rhode Island.
Contact Information
Ian O'Connor, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2259
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