Distracted Driving
On October 11, 2017, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed legislation (S.B. 1027) providing for an exception to the prohibition on texting while driving for any person activating, viewing, or deactivating a global positioning device or navigation application.
The law became effective upon passage.
Read RI S.B. 1027
Departmental Enforcement of Prohibition Against Criminal History Inquiry on Job Application
On October 5, 2017, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed legislation (H.B. 6141) granting the Rhode Island Director of Labor and Training jurisdiction to review allegations that an employer improperly inquired about an applicant’s criminal history on an employment application.
The law took effect upon passage.
Read RI H.B. 6141
Youth Protection Act
On October 5, 2017, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed legislation (S.B. 1025) requiring persons who provide volunteer services with youth serving agencies to get a national criminal records check if the volunteer service involves supervisory or disciplinary power over a child or where the services involve routine contact with a child without the presence of other employees or volunteers.
The act is effective immediately.
Read RI S.B. 1025