State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
JOURNAL -OF THE- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JANUARY SESSION of the General Assembly begun and held at the State House in the City of Providence on Tuesday, the seventh day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty.
Volume 147, No. 1 Tuesday, January 7, 2020 First Day
The House of Representatives meets at the State House in Providence, Tuesday, January 7, 2020 and is called to order at 4:09 o’clock P.M., by the Honorable Nicholas A. Mattiello, Speaker.
The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 71 member’s present and 3 members absent as follows:
PRESENT – 71: The Honorable Speaker Mattiello and Representatives Abney, Ackerman, Ajello, Almeida, Alzate, Amore, Azzinaro, Barros, Blazejewski, Caldwell, Canario, Carson, Casey, Casimiro, Cassar, Chippendale, Cortvriend, Corvese, Costantino, Craven, Diaz, Donovan, Edwards, Fellela, Filippi, Fogarty, Handy, Hawkins, Hull, Jackson, Jacquard, Johnston, Kazarian, Kennedy, Kislak, Knight, Lima, Lombardi, Lyle, Marszalkowski, McEntee, McKiernan, McLaughlin, McNamara, Mendez, Messier, Millea, Morin, Nardone, Newberry, Noret, O’Brien, Phillips, Place, Price, Ranglin- Vassell, Roberts, Ruggiero, Serodio, Serpa, Shanley, Shekarchi, Slater, Solomon, Speakman, Tanzi, Ucci, Vella-Wilkinson, Walsh, Williams.
ABSENT – 3: Representatives Bennett, Quattrocchi, Tobon,
ADJOURNMENT OF 2019 SESSION
On motion of majority Leader Shekarchi seconded by Minority Leader Filippi the House adjourns the 2019 session on a voice vote.
INVOCATION
The Honorable Speaker presents Chairwoman Serpa who delivers the Invocation and leads the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
(For Invocation, see Appendix, this Journal.)
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OPENING DAY ADDRESS
The Honorable Speaker Mattiello addresses the members of the House.
(For Speaker's Address see appendix of Journal)
Speaker Mattiello thanks his wife MaryAnn, who is here today, for her love and support.
APPROVAL OF RECORD
By unanimous consent, the House Journal of Friday, June 28, 2019, is approved.
GUESTS
Leader Shekarchi welcome to the House as a guest. Paul Loether director of the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, Sally Strachan, chairwoman of the State House Restoration Society, Carol Cornelison, director, of DCAMM, which partnered with JCLS in this entire construction effort, Ernest Covington, executive director of the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Robert O’Donnell of E.F. O’Donnell, the lead contractor, Ryan Haggerty of Vision 3 Architects, the architect for the project, Laurence Coch of ATR Treehouse, which provided our new sound system and Diana Fallone of Drapery House. Leader Shekarchi wishes Speaker Mattiello’s guest MaryAnn a happy birthday which she celebrated yesterday.
COMMUNICATION
Representative David Bennett is unable to attend session today, Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Representative Robert Quattrocchi is unable to attend session today, Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Representative Carlos Tobon is unable to attend session today, Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
APPOINTMENTS
Speaker Mattiello announces the following appointments:
Representative Jason Knight, member of House Committee on Judiciary, House Committee on Oversight, and House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Representative Arthur Corvese, member of House Committee on Labor.
Representative Mia Ackerman, Second Vice Chair of House Committee on Municipal Government.
Representative Thomas Noret, Second Vice Chair on Conduct.
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NEW BUSINESS
House Resolution No. 7001 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Corvese, Ucci, Edwards ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DOROTHY M. RUGGERIO {LC3237/1} With the agreement of the majority and the minority Leader Shekarchi request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Leader Shekarchi seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Representatives Corvese, Ucci, Edwards, Kennedy and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.
House Resolution No. 7002 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Craven, McNamara, Serpa ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARCIA B. REBACK {LC3058/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Leader Shekarchi request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Leader Shekarchi seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Representatives Craven, McNamara, Serpa, Kennedy and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.
House Resolution No. 7003 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Craven, McKiernan, Millea ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JUSTICE JOSEPH F. RODGERS, JR. {LC3163/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Leader Shekarchi request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Leader Shekarchi seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Representatives Craven, McKiernan, McEntee, Kennedy and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote. Speaker Mattiello discusses the resolution.
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House Resolution No. 7004 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Craven, McKiernan, Millea ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JUSTICE DONALD FRANCIS SHEA, RETIRED ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE RHODE ISLAND STATE SUPREME COURT {LC2957/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Leader Shekarchi request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Leader Shekarchi seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Representatives Craven, Kislak, Millea, Kennedy, McEntee, Lombardi, McLaughlin, Hull, O’Brien, Jackson, Corvese, Diaz, Slater, Abney, Ajello and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote.
House Resolution No. 7005 BY Lima, Williams, Ajello, Speakman, Mattiello ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RHODE ISLAND'S RATIFICATION OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT, GRANTING WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE {LC3293/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority, Deputy Speaker Lima request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Deputy Speaker Lima seconded by Representative Speakman, Representatives Williams, Ajello Speaker Mattiello, Fogarty, Cassar, Kislak, Ackerman, Caldwell, and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote. Representative Speakman, Ajello, Deputy Speaker Lima and Chairwoman Williams discusses the resolution.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Representative O’Brien congratulates his niece on the birth of her son Colt Michael Erickson.
Speaker Mattiello congratulates the couple on the birth of their son.
NEW BUSINESS
House Resolution No. 7006 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Craven, McKiernan, Millea ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE SUPERIOR COURT JUSTICE, JOHN E. ORTON, III {LC3057/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Chairman Craven request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
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There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Chairman Craven seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Leader Shekarchi, Representative McKiernan, Millea, McEntee, Ucci, Fogarty, Knight, Shanley, Blazejewski, Johnston, Solomon, Edwards, Azzinaro, Casey and Ajello by unanimous consent, on a voice vote. Chairman Craven discusses the resolution. Speaker Mattiello discusses the resolution.
House Resolution No. 7007 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Lima, Diaz ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION WISHING THE HONORABLE SHELBY MALDONADO WELL IN HER NEW POSITION AS THE HISPANIC OUTREACH DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN ISRAELI PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (AIPAC) AND THANKING HER FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF CENTRAL FALLS AND THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND {LC3319/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Representative Blazejewski request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
Read and passed, on a motion of Representative Blazejewski seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Leader Shekarchi, Deputy Speaker Lima, Representative Diaz, Slater, Filippi, Johnston, Solomon, Casey, Casimiro, Alzate, Mendez, Shanley, Morin, Knight, Corvese, Hawkins, Handy, Ackerman, Azzinaro, Ajello, Fogarty, Edwards, Kislak and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote. Representative Blazejewski discusses the resolution.
Speaker Mattiello discusses the resolution.
Speaker Mattiello wishes Representative Maldonado the best of luck.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Representative McLaughlin recognizes the men and women in the military serving overseas.
Speaker Mattiello requests a moment of silence for all the members of the military services.
NEW BUSINESS
House Resolution No. 7008 BY Mattiello, Shekarchi, Corvese, Fellela, Lima ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE THOMAS L. UCCI {LC3056/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Chairman Corvese request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
There is no objection.
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Read and passed, on a motion of Chairman Corvese seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Leader Shekarchi, Representative Fella, Deputy Speaker Lima and Kislak and the entire House of Representatives by unanimous consent, on a voice vote. Speaker Mattiello discusses the resolution.
House Resolution No. 7009 BY Kennedy, Mattiello, Filippi, Price, Shekarchi ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BARRY JOHN RICCI WHO WAS THE DISTINGUISHED SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTIRCT {LC3251/1}
With the agreement of the majority and the minority Speaker Pro Tempore Kennedy request unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
Read and passed, on a motion of Speaker Pro Tempore Kennedy seconded by Speaker Mattiello and Leader Filippi, Representative Price, Leader Shekarchi, Chairwoman Serpa and Chairman Azzinaro by unanimous consent, on a voice vote. Speaker Pro Tempore Kennedy discusses the resolution. Speaker Mattiello discusses the resolution.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Deputy Speaker Lima a wishes her husband Frank a happy birthday. Speaker wishes Frank a happy birthday.
ADJOURNMENT
At 5:46 o’clock P.M. on behalf of Speaker Mattiello on motion of Leader Shekarchi, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Dawn Goulette and Robert Margadonna; on motion of Representative Johnston, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Raymond “Boomer” J. Spooner, Jr. and Cheryl Smith; on behalf of Speaker Mattiello on motion of Leader Shekarchi, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Dorothy Ruggerio, Hon. Donald F. Shea, Hon. Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. and Marcia Reback; on motion of Representative Ucci, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Thomas L. Ucci Sr., Dennis J. Picard and Hon. Mary Cerra; on motion of Representative Ruggiero, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Col. Bruce Livingston; on motion of Representative Craven, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Hon. John E. Orton III; on motion of Representative Casey, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Ronald R. Deziel; on motion of Representative Kennedy, and as a further mark of respect to the memory of Barry John Ricci seconded by Majority Whip Edwards and Leader Filippi the House adjourns, on a unanimous rising vote.
Linda M. McElroy Recording Clerk
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APPENDIX
INVOCATION
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA A. SERPA
Gracious and Holy Lord, as we start a new year, and a new session, we do so with great hope and belief that we can call on you to guide us, and inspire us, through all the challenges we face as legislator, while representing those who call the great State of Rhode Island home. Amen.
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APPENDIX
OPENING DAY REMARKS
BY SPEAKER MATTIELLO
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020
I’d like to welcome everyone back for our 2020 legislative session.
I’m sure all of you have noticed the extensive renovations that have taken place over the past six months.
The State House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rhode Island, and one of the most majestic of all the state capitols. It was created to be a lasting monument to the achievements of our state.
We are very proud to be honoring those who served before us with this thoughtful renovation, which brings the House chamber back to its original splendor.
At the same time, it incorporates the safety, technology and accessibility features that modern public buildings demand.
This chamber will better serve all Rhode islanders and more closely resemble the magnificence of the original designs of 1904 and improves the historical accuracy.
We are grateful for the cooperation and hard work of the collaborating agencies, particularly the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and the State House Restoration Society.
For the public that is listening with us today, I’d like to provide a few highlights of the renovation project.
For the first time in decades, we replaced the worn carpets and drapes. The legislators’ desks have been restored and the chairs were replaced with historically appropriate new models. The public galleries, the leaking and broken skylights, and the rostrum were all repaired.
The chamber was painted with colors selected by the State House Restoration Society to be as close as possible to the original shades found under layers of paint.
As you can hear, the sound system has been improved with new speakers and microphones.
Very importantly, a new hearing loop system, which transmits sound electronically to hearing aids and cochlear implants, has been installed in both this chamber and in the Senate.
It makes Rhode Island the first state capitol in the country to have both of its legislative chambers and its public galleries equipped with permanent large area hearing loops. That is something we should all be proud of!
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The renovation also included improvements to technology, including new layers of safety for the voting systems and a full update of the antiquated electrical systems. These updates will bring the wiring up to code and improve the safety of the public, our members and the building.
I want to personally thank all the folks who worked hard on this project over the past six months to bring our chamber back to life!
It is a shining example of collaboration on the part of so many. I want to acknowledge Frank Montanaro, who oversaw this project on behalf of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services, and Legislative Data Director Nick Budano, the project manager.
Also joining us in the chamber today are our partners and contractors who all worked collaboratively with us to make sure this chamber was restored to its magnificent splendor.
Majority Leader Shekarchi will be introducing our guests, but I’d like to thank you all again!
I hope these shining renovations set a tone for what I hope will be another successful legislative session.
We will produce a balanced budget that addresses all of society’s needs.
Our House Finance Committee has been monitoring the budget very carefully. While we look forward to the Governor’s budget submission later this month, we hope that her administration is following corrective action plans to tighten the spending in some departments.
We have provided the necessary funding to take care of the most vulnerable among us, including children and those individuals who are intellectually challenged under the state’s care, the sick and the elderly, and our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.
These funds need to be managed properly in order to take care of people who need it the most.
The House Finance Committee and the House Oversight Committee, under the leadership of Chairs Marvin Abney and Patricia Serpa, will both be conducting hearings throughout the upcoming session to make sure our departments are spending tax dollars’ wisely. We will ensure that greater oversight is applied to all department budgets.
As we look forward to next year’s budget, this House will take a hard look at all existing programs and see what is benefitting our taxpayers.
I am committed to the elimination of the car tax, and I fully expect the funding for the fourth year of the six-year phase-out will be enacted according to schedule this spring. Our constituents deserve to have this onerous tax eliminated.
We will continue to review our tax policies to see what is working and see what we can do to continue to help businesses. The business community is the engine that drives our economy.
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Just yesterday, Forbes published its annual business rankings by state for 2019, and Rhode Island has successfully moved up two notches to 41st, putting us in the top three among New England states. However, we must continue with our focus on “jobs and the economy” to improve even further.
One of the major building blocks of our state economy is our health care delivery system. Our efforts to grow jobs can not leave this vital part of the economy behind. We must continue to be a good partner to our hospitals and work together to safeguard their stability. I am very proud of the work this House has done to support this effort.
Our state can, and must, be more friendly to all businesses. I will be attending the Small Business Administration’s annual Economic Summit this Friday and I look forward to hearing the suggestions directly from the business community.
We will continue to support programs to help our economy and attract good paying jobs to our state. I encourage good ideas from all of you on a bipartisan basis.
An example of this bipartisanship involves the proposal to extend the IGT lottery contract. We worked with Minority Leader Blake Filippi and his caucus and we commissioned an independent study that will give our House an independent analysis in the coming weeks.
Let’s all work together in the best interests of our state.
There are many other issues we will be addressing in 2020.
Last year, under the leadership of Reps. Gregg Amore, Joe McNamara and Bill O’Brien, we enacted significant education reforms. We established a statewide curriculum framework and a school-based management and accountability model, as well as addressed the important challenges faced by students with dyslexia.
We want to build on those reforms this year and keep public education at the forefront of our legislative agenda. There is nothing more vital to our state’s future than providing our students with a strong educational foundation.
I am also proud that we have strengthened school safety in recent years – last year we enacted legislation creating threat assessment teams in every school district.
We want to expand upon school safety measures this year by utilizing a statewide notification and early response system. Protecting our students in schools is of paramount importance.
We also must protect the public from people who are not law-abiding citizens and who possess guns illegally. While I strongly support Second Amendment rights, we need to get guns out of the hands of those with mental illness, as well as those who do not follow the laws.
This year, we will take a close look at adding provisions to our background check laws to require police chiefs, in each community where the person attempting to purchase a gun resides, to review applications.
We will also be looking at banning 3-D printed guns and ghost guns.
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Additionally, we are looking at the implementation of a statewide records-keeping and computer system that will integrate all of our police departments, including the State Police. It will allow easy communication and the sharing of information among all of our state’s law enforcement.
I want to assure everyone in the public that the House is listening and we will weigh the pros and cons of every issue fairly and objectively. We will listen carefully to the needs of our constituents.
I encourage members of the public to weigh in on the issues important to you. Your voice will be heard in this chamber!
As I close, I’d like to thank my wife MaryAnn, who is here today, for her love and support.
Sitting next to her is my dear friend, Nick Capobianco, who has been a loyal supporter from the beginning of my political career. I consider Nicky Cap a part of my family!
Let’s get off to a great start and have a very productive 2020 session as we accomplish the business of this wonderful state of ours.