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Weekly Roundups  

View all Recent Press Releases
   
01/27/2026
Legislative commission recommends creation of medical school at URI
A legislative commission that has been studying the issue for over a year today recommended the establishment of an MD-granting medical school at the University of Rhode Island to create a permanent pipeline of doctors as one of several steps that should be taken to address an ever-growing shortage of primary care physicians.


  
01/27/2026
Bill would enable abuse survivors to exit rental leases
With support from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Sen. Melissa Murray and Rep. Karen Alzate today announced their legislation to enable abuse survivors to terminate rental leases for the sake of their protection.  
01/23/2026
State lawmakers announce “Fair Share for Rhode Island” package
A group of lawmakers came together Thursday to announce an emergency “Fair Share for Rhode Island Package,” a set of four bills that will ensure the wealthiest people in the state pay a comparable share of their income in taxes as the rest of Rhode Island filers. Revenue raised by the Fair Share for Rhode Island Package is desperately needed for the state to adequately fund public schools, hospitals, childcare centers, roads, bridges and public transit.



  
01/22/2026
Sen. Gallo bill would allow use of campaign funds for security systems
Responding to the growing number of threats and incidents of violence against candidates and elected officials in Rhode Island and across the country, Sen. Hanna M. Gallo will introduce legislation today to explicitly allow that campaign funds to be used for home security systems.



  
01/08/2026
Speaker Shekarchi appoints Rep. Shallcross Smith chairwoman of House Small Business Committee
Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi has appointed Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith to serve as chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business.

  
01/06/2026
Senate President Lawson's remarks on start of 2026 legislative session
Senate President Valarie J. Lawson pledged that the Senate would collaboratively prioritize addressing the health care crisis, education and small business, and honored the victims, survivors and those who helped in the wake of the recent mass shooting at Brown University.


  
01/06/2026
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi remarks on start of 2026 legislative session
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi honored those affected by the tragic mass shooting at 
Brown University and emphasized the importance of meeting the moment by keeping the needs of Rhode Islanders front and center during a challenging legislative session.

   
11/07/2025
Speaker Shekarchi appoints Rep. McEntee as chairwoman of House Judiciary Committee
Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) has been appointed by Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi as the new chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee. She has served as the committee’s first vice-chair for the last several legislative sessions.