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Votes at a glance: four additional measures passed by the Senate
Summary
In addition to S-280 and S-303, the Rhode Island Senate approved S-296 (eliminates enhanced prostitution penalties for women), S-354 (raises court reporter per‑page fees), and H-5189 (ratifies Barrington home‑rule charter amendments); several ceremonial resolutions also passed by voice vote.
The Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday adopted four additional items by voice vote or recorded tally. The measures included S-296 to remove an enhanced penalty assessed specifically on women convicted of prostitution‑related offenses, S-354 to increase court reporter per‑page fees, and H‑5189, the House companion to ratify amendments to the Barrington home rule charter. The chamber also adopted ceremonial resolutions celebrating the centennial of the Rhode Island State Police, the 170th anniversary of the U.S.‑Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity, and University of Rhode Island Day at the State House.
S-296: Sponsor Senator Murray said the bill “eliminates an enhanced penalty that exists in law just for women convicted of prostitution related offenses.” The bill removes the additional fines that could include $500 for felony charges or $3.50 for a misdemeanor (or 10%, whichever is greater), while leaving in place the court’s general authority to assess monetary penalties. The clerk recorded 35 votes in the affirmative and the bill passed.
S‑354: Senator Dimitri explained the bill increases the per‑page fee paid to court reporters when preparing transcripts, noting the fee had last been raised in the 1990s. The committee recommended passage and the clerk recorded 36 votes in the affirmative; the bill passed.
H‑5189: Senator Lauria presented the House companion to validate and ratify amendments to the Town of Barrington’s home rule charter. The bill was passed on the Senate floor with 36 votes recorded in the affirmative.
Resolutions and introductions: The chamber adopted multiple ceremonial resolutions by voice vote, including a resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Rhode Island State Police and a resolution marking U.S.‑Japan historical ties and exchanges. The Senate also observed URI Day at the State House and introduced guests from the University of Rhode Island and the consulate of Japan; those resolutions passed or were moved and seconded on the floor.
Clerks and the presiding officer handled recorded votes for the listed bills; the transcript records tallies but not the full roll call names for each vote.
