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Rhode Island General Assembly

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Rhode Island General Assembly
NameRhode Island General Assembly
LegislatureRhode Island General Assembly
House typeBicameral
HousesRhode Island Senate, Rhode Island House of Representatives
Foundation0 1646
Leader1 typeSenate President
Leader1Dominick J. Ruggerio
Party1(D)
Election12017
Leader2 typeHouse Speaker
Leader2K. Joseph Shekarchi
Party2(D)
Election22021
Members113, 38 Senators, 75 Representatives
House1Rhode Island Senate
House2Rhode Island House of Representatives
Meeting placeRhode Island State House, Providence, Rhode Island
Websitehttp://www.rilin.state.ri.us/

Rhode Island General Assembly. The Rhode Island General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. A bicameral body, it is composed of the lower Rhode Island House of Representatives and the upper Rhode Island Senate. It convenes at the Rhode Island State House in the capital city of Providence.

History

The assembly traces its origins to the colonial General Court established under the Royal Charter of 1663 granted by King Charles II. This charter, which served as the state's constitution until 1843, created a uniquely powerful legislature. Following the American Revolution, the assembly was the site of debates over ratifying the U.S. Constitution, which Rhode Island initially rejected. The Dorr Rebellion of 1841-42, a populist uprising led by Thomas Wilson Dorr, was a pivotal conflict over suffrage and legislative representation, ultimately leading to the adoption of the Rhode Island Constitution of 1843.

Structure and composition

The legislature is bicameral, consisting of a 38-member Rhode Island Senate and a 75-member Rhode Island House of Representatives. Members of both chambers are elected from single-member districts for two-year terms, with no term limits. Elections coincide with the national midterm and presidential election cycles. The Democratic Party has held strong majorities in both chambers for decades, with the Republican Party forming a small minority.

Powers and duties

As the legislative branch of the state government, its powers are derived from the Rhode Island Constitution. Primary duties include enacting statutes, approving the state budget proposed by the Governor of Rhode Island, and confirming gubernatorial appointments. It holds the sole power of appropriation and can override a gubernatorial veto with a three-fifths majority in each chamber. The assembly also has investigative powers through its committees.

Leadership and committees

The Rhode Island Senate is presided over by the Senate President, a position long held by Democrat Dominick J. Ruggerio. The Rhode Island House of Representatives is led by the Speaker, currently Democrat K. Joseph Shekarchi. Each chamber has a Majority Leader and a Minority Leader. Standing committees, such as the Senate Finance Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, are where most legislative work, including hearings and markups, is conducted.

Current session and membership

Following the 2022 Rhode Island elections, the 113th General Assembly convened in January 2023. The Rhode Island Senate consists of 33 Democrats and 5 Republicans, while the Rhode Island House of Representatives is composed of 65 Democrats and 9 Republicans, with one independent. This session is meeting in the Rhode Island State House under the leadership of Dominick J. Ruggerio and K. Joseph Shekarchi.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber by a member. It is referred to a relevant committee, which may hold public hearings and recommend passage, amendment, or defeat. If reported favorably, it proceeds to three readings and votes on the chamber floor. After passage in the first chamber, it moves to the second, following a similar process. A bill passed by both houses is sent to the Governor of Rhode Island, who may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. The assembly may override a veto.

Notable legislation

Historically significant acts include early laws promoting religious freedom under Roger Williams. In the 20th century, the assembly ratified the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. More recently, it passed the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Standard and legalized same-sex marriage in Rhode Island in 2013. It has also enacted major criminal justice reforms, such as the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, and economic measures like the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit program. Category:Rhode Island General Assembly Category:State legislatures of the United States