Here are the highlights from news and events that took place recently in the General Assembly. For more information on any of these items, visit www.rilin.state.ri.us/

News.

New transportation funding plan would nix Sakonnet tolls

A group of East Bay legislators led by Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Newport, Little Compton, Tiverton), Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) and Sen. Christopher Scott Ottiano (R-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) submitted legislation to create a predictable statewide funding source for roads and bridges, without a toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge. The legislation (2014-S 2335, 2014-H 7432) creates a new Infrastructure Trust Fund using a number of existing revenue streams to create a pool of funding for the maintenance of all state-controlled roads and bridges as well as adding funding to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

Ajello, Miller introduce bill to regulate, tax marijuana

Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) and House Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Edith H. Ajello (D-Dist. 1, Providence) introduced legislation (2014-S 2379, 2014-H 7506) to make marijuana legal for adults 21 and older and establish a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol.

Lynch proposes early voting

for Rhode Island

Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation (2014-S 2237) to make in-person early voting available for all Rhode Island elections, except special elections. Early voting would begin on the 21st day before a general election and end on, and include, the Saturday before the scheduled election. In-person early voting would begin the 13th day before a primary and end on, and include, the Saturday before the primary election.

House, Senate committees consider Board of Education revamp

The Assembly held hearings on an article of the governor’s proposed budget and an identical Senate bill that would restructure the governance and responsibilities of the Rhode Island Board of Education. The House Finance Committee and its Health, Education and Welfare Committee met jointly on Article 20 of the budget bill (2014-H 7133). The Senate Education and Finance committees met jointly on legislation (2014-S 2265) introduced by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick).

Murder/parole, registry bills heard by Senate committee

Three bills dealing with individuals convicted of murder were heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, following a State House news conference held by sponsors to outline the specifics of the legislation. Two of the bills would affect parole eligibility for convicted murderers. The other would require convicted murderers, upon release, to register with local law enforcement. Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) sponsored the bills in the Senate (2014-S 2029, 2014-S 2031, 2014-S 2036). Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence) introduced two of the bills in the House (2014-H 7103, 2014-H 7100) and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) introduced the other (2014-H 7101).

Senate, House bills would make R.I.-style calamari state’s official appetizer

Legislation has been introduced in the Senate and House to christen Rhode Island-style calamari as the state’s official appetizer in recognition of the popularity of the dish and the importance of the squid industry, which reports annual landings of about 23.5 million pounds worth about $18.5 million. Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) introduced the Senate bill (2014-S 2398). Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) introduced the House bill (2014-H 7446).