Senate adopts consent calendar, confirms nominees and ratifies municipal charter amendments

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Senate adopted its consent calendar and approved a series of nominations and local charter ratifications during its March 11 session.

The clerk reported the consent calendar adopted with 36 affirmative votes after routine voice and recorded procedures. Among confirmations, the Senate gave advice and consent to the reappointment of David Spinella as chief hearing officer for the Division of Administration (vote reported as 35 in the affirmative) and confirmed appointments including Chris Dodge (environmental advocacy organization), Greg Marsili (municipal harbor master), Coral Aiello (commercial fishing representative) and Russell Sylvester (commercial fishing representative); recorded floor tallies for these items ranged from 32 to 36 affirmative votes as noted on the floor.

The body also ratified municipal charter amendments: S-199 (Barrington) and S-201 (Tiverton) were presented by sponsors who described the town review processes and letters of support; both measures passed on voice/recorded counts reported by the clerk.

Senator DePalma moved passage of S-351, a taxation measure requested by the Middletown Town Council to replace a homestead exemption with a two‑tiered tax class distinguishing owner‑occupied and non‑owner‑occupied property; the item passed as recorded by the clerk. The Senate then cleared the desk of business and made several committee scheduling announcements before standing in recess.

Recorded vote tallies as read by the clerk on the floor are included in the official journal; items passed on the floor on March 11 will be transmitted to the secretary of state, the house of representatives, and the governor as appropriate.