Legislation
Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program
After years of work, we finally passed my legislation to create the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program. This gives all Rhode Islanders access to a 401(k) style retirement savings plan through voluntary automatic payroll deductions. Employers also have the opportunity to contribute to their employee’s retirement savings and no longer have to bear the cost of administering their own plans. Press Release
The Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act
Another bill I sponsored for seven years finally crossed the finish line in June: The Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act (2024-H 7787A, 2024-S 2500). After six years of working on this issue, Rhode Islanders will finally have a right to know who is collecting and selling their personally identifiable information. Press Release
Representative Shanley sponsored a law that amends the state’s emergency mail ballot procedures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation adds an additional option for securing a mail ballot by permitting emergency ballot applications to be processed at local boards of canvassers in person on electronic poll pads, which allows voters to cast their ballot and place it into a voting machine. Voters have up to 20 days before the election to vote in this manner. Press Release
Representative Shanley sponsored a law that helps homeowners to build on to their houses to provide space for relatives by redefining “family member” for purposes of zoning ordinances to include child, parent, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, domestic partner, sibling, care recipient, or member of the household. Press Release
Titles For Recreational Vehicles
Representative Shanley sponsored a law that allows the Department of Transportation to issue certificates of title for recreational vehicles. Banks require a title on these vehicles as part of the loan process, but state law did not. Press Release
Law Creating Online Privacy Commission
Representative Shanley introduced a resolution creating the Rhode Island Online Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Commission. The panel was charged with making a comprehensive study and providing recommendations on legislation and regulations for protecting individuals from disclosures of personally identifiable information through the Internet. Representative Shanley served as chairman of the commission. Press Release
Representative Shanley co-sponsored a law that codifies the privacy rights and reproductive freedoms guaranteed by the United States Supreme Court in the case Roe v. Wade and its progeny. Press Release
In 2017, Representative Shanley in his first year in the House of Representatives supported and pushed for legislation that eliminates the dreaded automobile excise tax by phasing it out over a period of several years. It is scheduled to be eliminated altogether by 2024. Press Release
Recording Gay/Transgender Military Discharges As Honorable
Representative Shanley cosponsored legislation that extends veterans’ benefits to gay or transgender members of the armed forces who failed to receive honorable discharges due solely to their sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Press Release
Representative Shanley cosponsored a law that requires people who have reasonable cause to believe a person over age 60 is being abused, neglected or mistreated to report it to the Division of Elderly Affairs, which will report the incident to law enforcement if appropriate and intervene. Press Release
Air Quality Monitoring At T.F. Green Airport
Representative Shanley cosponsored a law that calls for long-term air monitoring at four sites located near T.F. Green Airport to determine the impact of air pollutants, which may be harmful to public health on the densely populated, primarily residential area of the city of Warwick that surrounds the airport. Press Release
Representative Shanley cosponsored a law that prohibits mistreatment of animals — specifically the failure to provide adequate water, shelter or veterinary care. It also prevents exposure for a period of more than 15 minutes whenever a weather advisory or warning has been issued. Press Release
Rights And Responsibilities Of Drivers
Representative Shanley cosponsored a law that requires driver’s education courses to include lessons on what drivers should do if pulled over by a law enforcement officer. It also requires driver’s instruction courses and tests to include instruction and information on the rights of drivers during a traffic stop. Press Release
