RIPTA’s proposed cuts would gut Woonsocket, officials warn
State lawmakers who attended the Woonsocket hearing also urged action to prevent the cuts. Sen. Brian Thompson called the plan “unacceptable,” emphasizing that residents rely on various routes for their livelihoods.
New law mandates safe entrance and exit points for construction workers at jobsites
“Construction is an inherently dangerous industry and it is vitally important that we ensure the safety and well-being of construction workers. This bill closes a loophole that allows entrance and exit points to be locked during work hours, which currently prevents the safe entrance or egress of workers in case of emergency….
Bill that requires valid IDs for registered contractors signed into law
“We are constantly seeing contractor fraud stories on the local news and too many residents are still being victimized by morally corrupt contractors when they need home repairs. This bill will bring a significant level of transparency when dealing with contractors, which will protect homeowners from being scammed,” said Senator Thompson…
Senate passes Thompson’s bill that creates human trafficking awareness in commercial driving instruction
“Human trafficking is a vile crime in our society and unfortunately, the nature of commercial driving and trucking creates an environment that is too often utilized to harm and transport the victims of human trafficking. This is a responsible, common-sense bill that will train commercial drivers to be on the lookout for this disgusting crime and how to identify individuals in need of help and rescue”…
Sen. Thompson introduces bill to support graduate medical education programs and research
“Our state needs to train and retain more doctors and health professionals in order for our healthcare crisis to improve. This bill will expand our medical talent pool by helping with the expensive costs of these vital educational programs. I commend the Senate Leadership for their thoughtful and expansive legislative package addressing the healthcare crisis and I am proud to be a part of this initiative that will benefit all Rhode Islanders”…
Potter, Thompson introduce legislation to reward quality at nursing homes
“Medicaid payments, including to our nursing homes, are a large part of our state budget, and it only makes sense that they should go toward providing quality care for Rhode Islanders. Unfortunately, our current reimbursement model is blind to quality and the costs associated with providing it, leading to worse care for residents,” said Senator Thompson…
Senate Leadership announce package of bills to address health care accessibility, affordability
Graduate medical education (Sponsored by Sen. Brian J. Thompson, 2025-S 171): To increase availability of training programs, this legislation would allow for the use of Medicaid funding to support graduate medical education programs and research in areas including, but not limited to, trauma care, primary care, maternal health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment….
Sen. Thompson sworn in as General Assembly convenes
Sen. Brian Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland) was formally sworn into office today as the 2025-2026 term of the Rhode Island General Assembly convened….