Rhode Island
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
California inspired a wave of plastic bag bans—with an unfortunate loophole
The Golden State finally fixed its ban last month, but at least five other states still allow the distribution of extra-thick "reusable" plastic bags.
First state-regulated overdose prevention center preps for opening
Rhode Island is using part of its opioid settlement money to expand harm reduction strategies and demonstrate how the center can impact drug use, crime and recovery.
Rhode Island Becomes First State to OK Drug Injection Sites
Advocates say sites where people can use drugs under supervision can save lives. But cities that have tried to establish such centers have faced opposition from their states and the federal government.
As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen
State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.
Not All Jobs Are Coming Back Post Covid: How States Can Help Retrain Workers
Rhode Island’s Back to Work program focuses reskilling workers through partnerships with local industries for in-demand jobs.
Biden Wants to Offer More Housing Vouchers. Many Landlords Won’t Accept Them
Over 2.2 million households receive subsidies through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Push to Remove Racist Names Draws Support—And Backlash
"We need to have this conversation."
Fast Moving Colorado Wildfire Still Raging in State
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Michigan prohibits voters from carrying guns to the polls … Virginia home health workers to get one-time bonus pay … Rhode Island cracks down on break rooms.
A Blueprint for How State Leaders Can Achieve Better Results
COMMENTARY | Data and evidence can help state policymakers make thoughtful decisions on public health, economics, equity and other issues.
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Rhode Island Moves to Remove ‘Plantations’ From Official State Name
The full name of the country’s smallest state, “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” will be changed on official documents to remove the words that have an association with slavery.
New Hampshire Latest State to Try to Limit Out-of-State Tourists
New Hampshire is reopening certain recreational sites, but trying to limit them to residents. Other states have attempted similar measures, with mixed results.
This State Has Figured Out How to Treat Drug-Addicted Inmates
More jails and prisons are starting to offer medication-assisted treatment for inmates addicted to opioids. But it's available at just a very small fraction of correctional facilities across the country.
Granting Anonymity to State Lawmakers—Behind Tinted Windows
State law in Rhode island requires tinted car windows to let in a certain amount of light. One lawmaker wants to exempt General Assembly members from the rule, saying it's necessary to ensure safety.
States Seek to Keep Climate Change Lawsuit Out of Federal Court
Thirteen states filed a brief this month hoping to keep a Rhode Island lawsuit against oil and gas companies in state rather than federal court.
In the One State that Tested the Census, Concerns About Reaching Hard-to-Count Residents
The census deployed the only end-to-end test for the 2020 census in Rhode Island. But it didn’t assess efforts to reach communities of people who could be hesitant to participate, something local leaders are now trying to figure out.
Why Rhode Island’s Governor Is Taking Over Providence’s Public Schools
The city’s schools have been failing for decades. The state believes it can fix them by stepping in.
A State Slow to Come Back from the Recession Pushes for Economic Wins
Rhode Island is recruiting companies and looking for long-term growth.
Why States Should Be Watching Rhode Island’s Election Audit Pilots
The state is expected to be the second to turn to risk-limiting audits but the first with polling places to do so, and it has yet to choose from among three methods.
States Are Crafting Laws to Help Determine Pet Custody in Messy Divorces
Lawmakers are looking at a California law that just went into effect this month.
