Woonsocket Radio News Room

Senate passes Acosta’s lead hazard mitigation bill

 

            STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed legislation (2023-S 0656A) sponsored by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) which would require lead hazard mitigation for pre-1978 rental dwelling units.

            “Lead poisoning, particularly with children, is still a serious and pervasive problem in Rhode Island that needs to be corrected and this bill will close a loophole that allowed too many old buildings to continue to poison our residents. With the passage of this bill and other similar pieces of legislation, I am eager to see the tragic stories of lead poisoning end as we eliminate the dangers of lead from Rhode Island once and for all,” said Senator Acosta.

            The legislation removes the exemption from owner occupied two- or three-unit homes, allowing the state to enforce the Lead Hazard Mitigation Act.  This act would take effect on January 1, 2024.

            The bill now heads to the House for consideration where Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) has introduced the legislation (2023-H 5946A).

 

The third day of testimony in former President Trump's criminal hush money trial in New York is done. Jurors again heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who has explained this week how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair.       The Supreme Court is considering whether Donald Trump is immune from criminal prosecution for acts he took in office. The case before them today centered around Trump's federal election interference charges. Trump's attorney argued prosecuting a president for official acts "incompatible" with Constitution.        Parts of the Central U.S. are bracing for severe weather today. Large hail, heavy downpours and isolated tornadoes are possible today from the Texas Panhandle to southern Nebraska, with wind gusts reaching 85 miles per hour. More dangerous weather is forecast on Friday and Saturday from Oklahoma to Iowa, and will push eastward from Arkansas to Illinois on Sunday.        The abortion issue was front and center on Wednesday. First, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a closely-watched case over whether Idaho's near-total abortion ban conflicts with a federal law requiring hospitals to provide patients emergency care. A decision is expected in June.        The World Health Organization says teen use of alcohol and e-cigarettes is "alarming." In a new analysis, the WHO said the findings show a "concerning picture." The most commonly used substance among adolescents is alcohol, with more than half of 15-year-olds saying they've tried it at least once.        Southwest Airlines is suspending its operations at four major airports. The airline announced the decision Thursday, citing financial underperformance and Boeing delivery delays. Southwest will no longer operate at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Bellingham International Airport in Washington and Mexico's Cozumel International Airport.       

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