Representative Charlene Lima

Deputy Speaker

Member, House Corporations Committee

Member, Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee

Member, House Municipal Government and Housing Committee

Member, House Oversight Committee

Charlene M. Lima (D) represents District 14 in Cranston and Providence. First elected in November 1992, Representative Lima serves as the Deputy Speaker and is a member of the House Corporations Committee, the House Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee, the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee and the House Oversight Committee.

During the 2021 session, Deputy Speaker Lima sponsored the new law that strengthens the Deceptive Trade Practices Act by restoring the power of the attorney general to step in and enforce violations of the act. Previous court interpretations of the old legislation exempted almost all businesses and transactions from the reach of the statute, and tied the attorney general's hands when it came to helping consumers.  She also sponsored legislation which reduces procedural delays that could hold up the permitting process for development.

In 2020, she sponsored legislation which would provide that any person 18 years of age who is issued a license may carry a stun gun. It also adds "tasers" to the definition of "firearm" and provides for an appeal process for denial of an application for a permit. She also sponsored a bill that creates a custody procedure for pets in divorce and separation proceedings based on the best interests of the animal and would not apply to assistance/service animals.

Deputy Speaker Lima has a long history of public service. In the past, she has served on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Juvenile Justice Task Force, the Secretary of the State Panel for Election Law Reform, and the District Representative Committee.

A retired educator, she taught for the Providence School Department and was also a member of the American Federation of Teachers and the Providence Teacher’s Union. She has also been involved with the Rhode Island Society to Prevent Blindness and the Women’s Auxiliary of the St. Mary’s Feast Society.

Deputy Speaker Lima was born on August 18, 1953, and is married to Frank Fiorenzano. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1975, following her graduation from Classical High School in Providence in 1971.​